The O Flos Colende Sacred Music in Florence festival is back once again in Florence, during Italy’s celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary, with a new concert, this time in conjunction with a theatrical performance. La Sibilla del Reno is based on the story of Hildegard of Bingen.
Known informally as the Sybil of the Rhine River, this scholar was simultaneously a German writer, composer, philosopher and nun. Born in 1098, she lived to age 81. The piece is about a spiritual journey that she embarks on, following her dreams and ambitions.
Cristina Borgogni, Italian actress and director, will play the part and narrate this remarkable story through the eyes of the protagonist. Cristina studied at la Bottega Teatrale di Vittorio Gassman in Florence and at la Scuola di Drammaturgia di Eduardo De Filippo in Rome.
During the course of the performance there will be scenes with live music interpreted on ancient instruments including the cithora (an ancient Greek string instrument), psaltery (stringed instrument similar to a harp), Tibetan bell and harpsichord.
The compositions, accompanying the action much like a soundtrack were composed specially by Federico Maria Bardazzi, who on this occasion will be conducting the vocal and instrumental Ensemble San Felice.
The evening performance will be free until seating is at its capacity; booking, however, is highly recommended. For information and reservations please co tact eventi@operaduomo.firenze.it or visit the site www.operaduomo.firenze.it. (karen gee)
CHIANTI CLASSICO EXPO WINE FAIR. Piazza Matteotti, Greve in Chianti. Open 11 am – 10 pm. Admission: € 10.
MOVIE IN ENGLISH: DUNKIRK starring Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Harry Styles. Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi. 5 & 7 pm.
PITTI FRAGRANZE FASHION FAIR SPECIAL EVENT: the presentation at the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte of a new perfume with strong notes of incense, accompanied by an organ concert. 7:45 pm.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: MADAME BUTTERFLY, opera by Puccini. Maggio Musicale Orchestra conducted by Francesco Pasqualetti. Opera di Firenze, Piazzale Vittorio Gui, 1. 8 pm.
MOVIE IN ENGLISH: ERASERHEAD by David Lynch. Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi. 9 pm.
EXHIBITIONS:
THE MANUFACTORY OF BEAUTY: GINORI AND HIS STATUES: Bargello Museum. Open 8:15 am – 5 pm. Admission. €8.
HELIDON XHIXHA: IN ORDINE SPARSO. Boboli Gardens. Open from 8:15 am – 6:30 pm. Admission: €10.
MICHELANGELO AND THE SIEGE OF FLORENCE: Casa Buonarroti. Open from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission: € 6.50. There are a variety of discounts for students; for more information, see www.casabuonarroti.it.
LLOYD: TUSCAN LANDSCAPES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2. Open from 10 am – 7 pm. Admission €8, €6 reduced.
1927, THE RETURN TO ITALY. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Palazzo Spini Feroni. 10 am – 7:30 pm. Admission: €8.
YTALIA: Energy, Thought, Beauty, It’s All Connected. Forte Belvedere and other venues. Hours at Forte Belvedere: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm. Admission: €3, those 18 and under free.
DALLA CAVERNA ALLA LUNA (FROM THE CAVE TO THE MOON). Pecci Contemporary Art Center, viale della Repubblica, Prato. Open 12 noon – 12 midnight. Admission: €10, €7 reduced.