MUSIC/Balagan Cafe
7.30pm, August 25
Synagogue gardens, via Luigi Carlo Farini 6, Florence
Ph. by Emanuele Armando
Every summer, Florence’s synagogue opens its garden to the public for a series of folksy evenings, partially inspired by pop-up theatre traditions of 18th and 19th century Russia. The theme for the penultimate Balagan Cafe of the season will be “Mediterranean sounds”: enjoy an 8.30pm lecture on Jewish Puglia (in Italian), given by Yehuda Pagliara, and a 9.30pm concert by Radicanto. Both will be preceded by a 7.30pm apericena (10 euro) with “Balagan Bittersweet” drinks, Jewish wines, cous cous with braised onions and spices and numerous other delicacies. Guided visits of the synagogue are also available upon reservation (call 055.2346654 or 055.2466089).
CLASSICS/Friday Night at the Museum
From 7.15pm, August 26
Accademia Gallery, via Ricasoli 60, Florence
What finer company for your Friday night than David himself? The Accademia continues its extended Friday night hours this week, staying open until 10pm. Guided visits through the museum’s masterpieces are offered in both English (7.15pm) and Italian (8pm). Participants will get their obligatory time with the David, of course, but this week the main focus is on an oft-overlooked part of the gallery: the musical instruments museum. Arrive early to purchase a ticket and meet your group in the area around the ticket office. Reservations for this less-crowded moment at the museum are recommended (call 055.294883).
