SHOW/ Hershey Felder’s George Gershwin Solo
September 14, 9pm
The much-loved Canadian pianist, actor and producer gears up to perform his George Gershwin Solo in the historic location of Fiesole’s Roman theatre. Felder brings the premiere of his first ever show in Italian (the songs will be in English with Italian subtitles) to the remarkable setting as the closing night of Estate Fiesolana. The evening explores the great American composer’s best-known works such as Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris. Tickets cost 20/28.75 euro and can be purchased at the Teatro Romano ticket office (+39 055 5961293), www.estatefiesolana.it and www.bitconcerti.it.
Teatro Romano,
via Portigiani 1, Fiesole
CINEMA/ Odeon reopens
From September 16
Dune screenings at the Odeon
The Cinema Odeon Firenze makes its highly anticipated return with Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster Dune on September 16. The adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel was already brought to the screens by David Lynch in 1984, with the epic adventure telling the story of the talented Paul Atreides’ dangerous journey to another planet now remade with stars such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Mamoa and Javier Bardem. From September 30, Bond returns to the big screen with No Time to Die. The 25th 007 film stars Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes, and is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. Films are shown in English, with Italian subtitles.
LITERARY/ Speaking Dante: a 24-hour live reading marathon
Helen Mirren and Ralph Fiennes are just two of the actors participating in the live reading broadcast from Florence
To mark the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death, Milan-based theatre producer Julia Holden, in collaboration with award-winning UK playwright Justin Butcher, is curating a 24-hour marathon live reading in Florence of the whole of the Divine Comedy, in the acclaimed English translation by Robert and Jean Hollander. Read more about the event here. Tickets are available from the Cinema La Compagnia box office (+39 055 268451) or online here.
Cinema La Compagnia,
Via Camillo Cavour, 50, Florence
ECO/ God is Green
September 15-21
A cycling tour forms part of the programming
The fourth edition of God is Green takes place at Manifattura Tabacchi. The free-entry festival dedicated to sustainability and the future is produced by NAM – Not a Museum, and orientates around the theme of ecology with events including talks, the SUPERBLAST exhibition opening, a photography exhibition curated by Publiacqua, the finissage of Botanica Temporanea, a meeting on the future of tourism in Florence, a workshop for children and a flower market.
Manifattura Tabacchi,
via delle Cascine 35, Florence
CRAFTS/ Artigianato e Palazzo
September 16-19
Craftsmanship in a stunning setting
The 27th edition of the exhibition at the Corsini gardens is set to be a spectacular affair, with craftsmanship at the centre. Created in 1995 by Neri Torrigiani with the patronage of Princess Giorgiana Corsini, quality and technique are celebrated in the crafts on display in the gorgeous gardens.
Corsini Gardens,
via della Scala 115, Florence
LISTEN/ Fortissimissimo Firenze Festival
September 13 – October 5
Talented Italian performers under 35 are brought together under the artistic direction of Andrea Lucchesini in the fifth edition of the popular music fest. Supported by Amici della Musica, the programme features Quartetto Werther, who will perform works by Mahler, Huber and Strauss on September 13, and the duo made up of violinist Ivos Margoni and pianist Giulia Loperfido, playing Beethoven, Pilati and Grieg on October 1. Tickets can be purchased on the night or pre-booked via TicketOne.
Conservatorio Cherubini di Firenze and Auditorium Folco Portinari, Florence
SPECTACLE/ Cirk Fantastik!
September 9-19
All kinds of antics
The contemporary circus festival is an 11-day extravaganza in the Cascine Park that ranges from shows and outdoor cinema to workshops and talks on the history of the circus, all of which are bound to put a smile on your face. The fun-for-all-ages fest celebrates all things avant-garde, with over 60 shows to enjoy.
Parco delle Cascine,
piazzale delle Cascine, Florence
SWAY/ Firenze Jazz Festival
September 8-12
Five days of programming feature 30 events in 10 different locations, including Ruffino’s magical Poggio Casciano wine estate, with big names in jazz set to perform unforgettable concerts across historic villas, Renaissance cloisters and historic farmhouses. The programme hosts the likes of David Murray, James Brandon Lewis and Franco D’Andrea and Mack.
Various locations in Florence
