Classical Concerts & Operas at Florence Theatres

A scene from ‘Don Pasquale’ at the Teatro del Maggio

Late February and early March in Florence brings good listening throughout the region’s theatres. Throughout the period, a high note is struck by excellent classical music offerings and artists, designed to appeal to all tastes.

TEATRO DEL MAGGIO

The entertaining comic opera ‘Don Pasquale’ by Gaetano Donizetti, which premiered in 1843 in Paris, will be performed on February 26, 29 and March 4.  The old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to punish his rebellious nephew, Ernesto, who is in love with the young widow Norina. Pasquale wants an heir so he can cut the young man off without a penny. He consults Dr. Malatesta, who suggests as a bride his own beautiful younger sister.

For a more romantic evening, guests can attend ‘La Traviata’ on stage February 25 and 27, with performances continuing through March.  For the complete schedule and more details, visit the Maggio Fiorentino website.

TEATRO VERDI

Lorenza Borrani leads the ORT as conductor and violin soloist on February 27 at the Teatro Verdi.  The program includes the Haydn Sinfonia Concertante for violin, cello, oboe, bassoon and orchestra featuring Borrani and principal players of the ORT. The evening continues with the Zimmermann Concerto for string orchestra (1948) and Beethoven’s Symphony n. 4 op.60.

This concert is dedicated to the memory of Piero Farulli as part of the festivities celebrating the centenary of his birth. Born in Florence in 1920, he was the violist in the internationally acclaimed Quartetto Italiano and a music educator, founding the famed Scuola di Musica di Fiesole in 1974.  For more information, see the ORT website.

TEATRO DELLA PERGOLA

In their Italian debut, brother and sister duo Sheku (b. 1999) and Isata Kanneh-Mason, will interpret works by Beethoven, Lutoslawski, Barber and Rachmaninov for cello and piano.  Sheku became an international sensation after playing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle in 2018. The concert, organized by the Amici della Musica, will be held on February 29 at 4 pm at the Teatro della Pergola.  For more details on the February lineup, visit the Amici della Musica website. (anne lokken)