From classical to rock, pop, jazz and blues, and world music, Tuscany offers such an array of music festivals that The Florentine has come up with this handy guide to the sounds of the summer. To keep up with the musical events across the region, check TF Weekly at theflr.net/weekly, out every Thursday, for new listings and dates.
LUCCA SUMMER FESTIVAL
July 2014, Lucca, piazza Napoleone
Always one of Tuscany’s biggest summer festivals, this year’s edition welcomes The Eagles, The Prodigy, Emma, Stevie Wonder, The Backstreet Boys, Elisa, The National and special guest Cat Power, as well as other big names in the pop world.
PISTOIA BLUES
July 10–17, piazza del Duomo, Pistoia
This week-long festival puts big-name acts in Pistoia’s piazza del Duomo. Negramaro opens the concert on July 10 and British band Arctic Monkeys closes it on July 17. Morcheeba, The Lumineers, Jack Johnson and Joan as Police Woman are among those on stage throughout the week.
BARGA OPERA FESTIVAL
Until July 20, various locations in Barga
Operatic delights include a mix of contemporary and classical. Catch a world premiere: following the composition course and competition that are part of the festival, the winning musical masterpieces will be performed for the first time.
BEYOND MUSIC
July 18–27, Siena
Music meets the visual arts, history, literature, food and wine at the open-air concerts at the beautiful Villa La Foce and other locations. This year’s festival explores the influence of master performers on their young protégés and the unique relationship of the duo on stage.
MUSICASTRADA FESTIVAL
July 15–August 19, various locations in Tuscany
Combining music, photography and video, this free festival offers some 30 concerts around Tuscany. Held in the historic centres of the region’s towns and cities, the concerts feature acclaimed artists as well as local groups, showcasing a range of styles and genres.
VOX MUNDI FESTIVAL
Until August 2, Magliano, Tuscany
The world comes to Tuscany. Among the international artists featured: American rapper and beat boxer Joe Driscoll on stage with Guinean musician Sekou Kouyate as part of their Faya tour; and Hungarian group Söndörgö performing the lost music of the Balkans.
PRATO ESTATE 2014
Until September 2014, Prato
Music, theatre, cinema and art: more than 150 events in the heart of Prato, many of them free. Just one example: on July 23, French pianist and composer Yann Tiersen, famous for the Amélie soundtrack, will perform in piazza del Duomo.
AREZZO WAVE 2014
July 17–21, Arezzo
Now in its 28th year, this festival features rock, hip hop, jazz and funk and draws an array of international stars. Performing this year (on Arezzo’s rugby pitches) are Levante and Emis Killa, among others, and a special closing concert with Pied Piper Fantasy.
PUCCINI FESTIVAL
July+August 2014, Torre del Lago Puccini
The 60th anniversary of the Puccini festival will be celebrated in style at the beautiful open-air theatre of Torre del Lago, by the house where Puccini lived and is buried. Enjoy Madame Butterfly, La Bohème, Turandot and Il Trittico.
BOLGHERI MELODY
July–September 2014, San Guido di Bolgheri
Celebrate local wines and the arts, including dance, along the Etruscan coast. Catch musical performances by the La Scala Theatre Orchestra (July 25) and Umberto Tozzi (August 2).
CHIANTI SCULPTURE PARK
Every Tuesday evening until August 26, Siena
Enjoy music in nature: now in its fifth season, this series of 12 evening concerts in the amphitheatre of the picturesque Chianti Sculpture Park, near Siena, features varying genres.
