Christmas 2021 Florence Music Events at No Charge

Several free performances will be held to celebrate the Christmas season in the Florence metropolitan area. Three are organized by the Fiesole Music School, the others by St. Mark’s English Church and the Oratorio di San Nicola in downtown Florence. Masks and Green Passes are needed for access at all venues.

The Fiesole Music School program will highlight  medieval and Renaissance songs appropriate for the holiday period. The first two will feature Fabio Lombardo conducting the Schola Cantorum Francesco Landini, while the last is directed by Chiara Quattrini leading the same group.   The first concert will be held in the Church of Santa Felicita in Florence, on December 17 at 9 pm; the second will take place in the Church of the Most Holy Crucifix of Fontelucente in Fiesole, on December 18 at 5:30 pm; the Basilica of Santa Trinita will host the final performance on December 19 at 4 pm, where guests can also catch a glimpse of frescoes lining the wall along with all of the architecture to add the majestic feel of the church. Among these artworks are what is considered famed Renaissance painter Domenico Ghirlandaio’s best piece. The Stories of St. Francis are a series of six frescoes extending across the walls of the Sassetti Chapel, which include: Renunciation of Worldly Goods, The Confirmation of the Franciscan Rule, The Test of Fire, The Miracle of the Stigmata, Death of St. Francis and The Resurrection of the Boy. (nelson matos)

Music will be played and sung again at St. Mark’s Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 19 at via Maggio 16-18  features readings that recount the Christmas narrative, well-loved hymns and choral classics at 4:30 pm.  December 19 will also see an organ concert with music of Feraci, Becatelli, Buccioni, Allegri and Del Bianco at the Oratorio di San Nicola al Ceppo at via Pandolfini 3 that starts at 5 pm.  (nelson matos)