Tis the season to rejoice with holiday music! The following is a list of Christmas concerts in Florence, as well as some particularly interesting classical concerts that will take place during December 2011.
Huber and Gerhaher play Mahler
December 17, 5pm, Teatro della Pergola, via della Pergola 12/32,
Florence
Pianist Gerold Huber and baritone Christian Gerhaher will present
Mahler’s cycle of songs, The Youth’s Magic Horn, which composed with
lyrics from an anonymous collection of German folk poems, including ‘Who thought up this little song?’
‘I Went with Pleasure,’ ‘The Sentinel’s Night Song,’ ‘Song of the Persecuted in
the Tower.’ Huber and Gerhaher are a well-known duo, having won a Gramophone
Award in 2006 and two German Phono prizes, among others, for their work.
For information, call 055/609012 or see www.amicimusica.fi.it
Mahler’s Symphony No. 4
December 17, 9pm, Le Murate, Piazza Madonna della Neve, Florence
Mahler fans can either choose from two concerts on December 17 or attend
both. Marking the 100th anniversary of the composer’s death, Le Murate is
presenting a reinterpretation of his music. Symphony No. 4 will be
played in a chamber music version arranged by Edwin Stein, a pupil of
Schoenberg. Another version will follow, in C, arranged by Terry Riley. This
modern revisitation of Mahler’s work, presented by Our Time Chamber Orchestra,
promises to be a refreshing example of how the classical tradition continues to
evolve. Symphony No. 4, influenced by lieder music, is thematically
linked to The Youth’s Magic Horn, and so will provide a nice segue for
those also attending the Pergola concert.
For more information, call 055/2001875 or see www.cultura.comune.fi.it.
Jazz concert
December 17, 10pm, Viale Donato
Gianotti 13, Pinocchio Jazz, Florence
Percussionist Han Bennink, one of the foremost exponents of European
avant-guarde jazz, along with other members of his quintet, will play
selections from their latest album, Who’s in Charge? Along with Bennink,
members of the quintet include American trombonist Ray Anderson (five-time
winner of Down Beat Critic’s Poll), avant-guarde German guitarist Frank Mobus,
and two well-known members of the Dutch jazz scene, Ernst Glerum and Paul van
Kemenade.
For information, call 055/683388 or see www.pinocchiojazz.it
Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert – CANCELLED
The Florentine has just learned from Orcafi that this concert, listed on their website will not take place; they apologize for the error in not updating their website.
December 23, 7pm, Via Por Santa Maria, Florence
This Christmas presentation of Handel’s Messiah is part of the
Toscana Musica e Arte concert series sponsored by the Banca CR Firenze. This performance, in collaboration with the
Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, will feature the Ensemble San Felice, with
Federico Bardazzi conducting. Free entrance until seats are full. Go to www.orcafi.it.
Gospel Christmas Concert
December 24, 5pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence
Anglosaxon, Afroamerican and western European traditions fuse when the
Sue Conway Victory Singers are accompanied by the Orchestra della Toscana for a
truly joyful celebration of Christmas. The repertoire, heretofore unknown in
Italy, consists mainly of newish Gospel songs by both black and white
composers; but you can also expect the Christmas classics ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Joy
to the World.’ For info see www.teatroverdionline.it.
Dynamo Camp Abba tribute
January 14, 9pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence
Bring a little ‘Mamma Mia’ to your holiday season with this charity
event organized by Dynamo Camp. The Super Trouper Abba tribute band will rock
Teatro Verdi with the Swedish band’s campy hits in a show called ‘Mama 4
Children.’ Proceeds (20 euro per ticket) go to the Dynamo Camp in Limestre (PT)
for children with chronic or terminal pathologies and to the Campi
Internazionali per Disabili e Normodotati degli Scambi Giovanili Internazionali
Lions.
For information and reservations call 339/8420444 or email spettacoloabbatribute@email.it
See also our Florence Events listings.