Umberto Clerici Conducts the ORT in an Evening of Mendelssohn and Beethoven

The Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) returns on stage at Teatro Verdi (via Ghibellina 99) Wednesday, April 10 at 9 pm with a program dedicated to Mendelssohn and Beethoven. The evening’s guest conductor will be Umberto Clerici, currently the principal conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Australia.  The last time he shared the stage with the musicians of ORT, he was a cello soloist, for which he received international recognition, including the Tchaikovsky [...]

Talk in English by Maree Clark on Aboriginal Art, Showcased in an Upcoming Exhibition

Australian artist Maree Clarke will give a talk in English at the Anthropological Museum (via del Proconsolo 12) on April 3 (5:30 pm), focusing on her Indigenous heritage and her upcoming exhibition at Le Murate. Descended from the Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, and Wadi Wadi peoples of Victoria, Clarke has garnered acclaim for her multifaceted artistic practice spanning over three decades. At the core of Clarke’s work is a profound commitment to revitalizing [...]

Cultural Heritage Walks: Free Tours in English

One way to enhance your knowledge of Florence is to learn about the culture and history of the city are through Cultural Heritage walks scheduled this spring. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, the Municipality of Florence developed a program for residents and visitors to explore city’s cultural patrimony sites with a free, guided tour. There will be 16 heritage walks — all starting at 3 pm —   throughout April and [...]

The Bardini Garden’s Easter Monday Treasure Hunt

  Monday, April 1: EASTER TREASURE HUNT.  Free admission with mandatory reservation. Grandi Gardini Italiani is hosting its annual treasure hunt at Villa Bardini Garden (Via de’ Bardi, 1). Designed for families with children aged 6 – 10, the treasure hunt encourages guests to explore the garden and make new observations and discoveries. When the hunt is completed, each visitor will receive a prize and become a ‘certified’ botanist. The treasure hunt will [...]

A 2024 Guide to Florence Easter Festivities

  Easter never fails to be an immense celebration in Italy. Various events will be held around Florence on Good Friday and Easter Sunday on March 31, in addition to English speaking church services during the week.  Participate in the local Easter traditions by attending Grassina’s Passion Play and Florence’s Scoppio del Carro on Easter weekend, preceded by an Easter concert. An added bonus: the church and museum of Santa Maria Novella offer [...]

Florence’s FAI Spring Days 2024

  Twice a year, inaccessible cultural landmarks all over Italy are open to the public FAI Spring Days is back this year in March on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) is the National Trust for Italy, responsible for maintaining and restoring private historical landmarks throughout Italy. FAI is able to manage thousands of locations through donations or grants. Close to 750 locations will be open all around [...]

Voices’ European Festival of Journalism & Media Literacy 2024

In view of how the digital age continues to reshape the landscape of journalism, the three day event Voices: European Festival of Journalism and Media Literacy will be held in English from Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16 at Stazione Leopolda.  Organized in conjunction with the EUI (European University Institute), the festival aims to bring journalists, media professionals, and anyone interested in the world of reporting together. The festival events aim to [...]

Basaglia ‘Asylum Farewell’ Anniversary Events

A festival honoring Franco Basaglia (1924-1980), the man who was responsible for the shutdown of all inhumane insane asylums in Italy, will run from March until July. The event “INSANE ASYLUM, FAREWELL! Franco Basaglia 100,” is organized by the theater group Chille de la Balanza, who lives in the former mental hospital in San Salvi, Florence.  Monday, March 11 marks the 100th anniversary of Franco Basaglia’s birth. A remake of the symbolic blue [...]

Piano Maestros Sokolov & Lonquich in Florence

This Monday, March 11 , Amici della Musica presents Grigory Sokolov on stage at Teatro del Maggio to perform his solo piano recital, interpreting the works of Bach, Chopin, and Schumann (piazzale Vittorio Gui 1, 8 pm). In the realm of classical music, few pianists command the same reverence as Grigory Sokolov. Celebrated for his extraordinary talent, Sokolov has left his mark on the musical landscape since his career began at the tender [...]

Free Florence Events for Women’s Day on March 8

  Friday, March 8: FESTA DELLA DONNA (International Women’s Day) International Women’s Day is a day honoring political, economic, and social achievements of women worldwide. Women in Italy celebrate the occasione by sharing meals and spending time together. Since WWII it has become synonymous to give mimosa blossoms to women as a symbol to show togetherness. Florence will be hosting events the week of International Women’s Day and on March 8, including art [...]