Italy for Music Lovers
Pop, Prosecco and Puccini…
Fall in love all over again with great live music in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Music is one of life’s pleasures and for some, it’s more of a passion and what better place to enjoy it than in romantic Italy. Surely a dream destination for the finer things in life and music is without doubt one of them. Music and opera is at the very heart and soul of Italian culture and this dreamy country has brought us some of the world’s leading composers such as Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and many more.
You’ll be hard pushed to find a bar or restaurant in Italy that isn’t blasting out delightful classical tunes as you tuck into your spaghetti and Sangiovese!
Whether you’re a music lover or not, you’ll hear it all over Italy and references and monuments to some of these great composers can be seen on just about every corner of Italy’s historical towns and cities.
However, if you want to deepen your love for music and opera and experience authentic performances during your trip, we’ve got the low-down on some of the best open air concerts and festivals up and down the country. It’s not all highbrow stuff either, you can catch some great pop and rock acts too this summer.
Verona
Feeling romantic? One of the loveliest spots to experience some of the world’s finest operas is underneath the stars in the open-air amphitheatre of Verona. The Arena di Verona hosts a series of live performances all summer long in this historical and dramatic setting. The 2018 programme includes Carmen, Aida, Turandot, Nabucco and The Barber of Seville.
Lucca
Throughout summer in Italy, there’s always some sort of musical extravaganza going on. The Italians need no excuse to put on a good show! During the summer months, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a series of open air concerts within the city’s walls of the Tuscan city of Lucca which hosts a lively annual festival and has seen the likes of Robbie Williams and Lionel Richie grace the stage. This year, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Lenny Kravitz, Gorillaz, James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt are among the line up to be playing in this historical setting.
Concerts aside, don’t forget to visit the Puccini Museum – birthplace of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini. Within the museum there are priceless objects that once belonged to him including his Steinway & Sons piano that he used to compose the opera Turandot.
Pistoia
The Tuscan city of Pistoia is also worth a visit as it comes alive in July with the annual Pistoia Blues Festival. Taking place in Piazza Duomo from 10-15 July, two of the big names appearing are Alanis Morissette and James Blunt.
Venice
If you plan to visit over the summer, you’ll also be able to catch the Venezia Jazz Festival which takes places in July when Italian musicians mix with international performers in this great musical event which combines a rich and varied programme with beautiful locations. You can also see Jack Savoretti at La Fenice, Venice on 25 July 2018.
Milan
Milan is an ideal choice for lovers of music (and fashion!)
Throughout the year, the Teatro alla Scala has a full schedule of recitals, opera, ballet and various cultural events. In addition to the live performances, there is a museum dedicated to the history of the theatre and houses treasures from some of Italy’s finest composers. Visitors can also take a guided tour which unveils the secrets of behind the scenes of this world-famous opera house. For something more contemporary, don’t miss Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the famous San Siro stadium on Friday 6 July 2018.
Rome
Enjoy some gorgeous music in the Eternal City this summer where you’ll find a series of open air concerts featuring some of the best-loved arias. Check out Opera Serenades by Night in Rome for an unforgettable evening as you listen to deeply moving love duets performed by soprano Paola Alonzi and tenor Angelo Forte.
If you want something a little more rock and roll, don’t miss Rock in Roma 2018 where you can see the likes of The Killers, The Chemical Brothers, Macklemore and Jeff Beck among the line-up for this year’s spectacle.
Live performances are also common in and around the towns of Lake Garda during the summer months as well the southern hotspots of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
Ravello
There’s a gorgeous happening in Ravello and if you’re on holiday on the Amalfi area, be sure to try and get to the Ravello Festival 2018, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious music festivals and runs from 30 June until 25 August 2018.
It all sounds just lovely, doesn’t it? Believe us, we’ve been to some of these events and they are absolutely magical. (Some of us have also spent cold, rainy July days at festivals in the UK too – but that’s another story – and our wellies are still in recovery!)
Make sure you check out some of these wonderful concerts and performances and add a little culture and magic into your holiday and remember to post back and tell us all about it. Especially if you got any selfies with celebs!
If music be the food of love, PLAY ON!
Buon Viaggio