Florence’s Cathedral Hosts Readings & Music for Peace

“The Uselessness of War” is the title of a performance that the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) is offering, free of charge, to the public on Thursday, April 21 at 9 pm.  The free event is meant to be a reflection on the war in the Ukraine, and the title is meant to evoke Pope Pius XII’s warning right before the outbreak of WWII.  Reservations should be made by sending an email to EVENTI@DUOMO.FIRENZE.IT.  It is also necessary to wear a Ffp2 mask to enter the Duomo.  

Sandro Lombardi will narrate readings mainly by Giorgio La Pira, in addition to one by Father Turoldo, written during the first Gulf War. Florence’s mayor in the ’50s and early ’60s, La Pira was a tireless advocate for peace and mutual understanding among nations. The readings will alternate with musical pieces by Bach (St. Matthew Passion featuring a flute solo), Vivaldi and Pärt.  Pianist Alessandro Galati will interpret two his own compositions: the first, “Starship Losers,” was written as a metaphor on voyages and silence; the second, “Wassily” is dedicated to the Wassily Kandinsky, with every note is designed to evoke an emotion, mimicking the Russian abstract painter’s use of color. (rosanna cirigliano)