CLASSICAL/ Gershwin by Orchestra Toscana Classica
9pm, July 16
Stunning setting of Palazzo Medici Riccardi
A performance not to be missed, the most remarkable works by the American composer George Gershwin will be performed in the courtyard of Palazzo Medici Riccardi on Thursday July 16 at 9pm. The enchanting melody of Summertime wafting through the centuries-old architecture will be simply unforgettable. Conducted by Stefano Teani, solists are pianist Fernando Ramsés Peña Díaz, also responsible for the arrangements, and singer Elena Di Leo. Tickets cost 15/20 euro and can be purchased via Box Office Toscana and Ticket One. For information and reservations click here.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi,
Via Camillo Cavour, 3, Florence
NOSTALGIA/ Summer Vintage Market
6-11pm, July 23
Sift through the stands for true treasures
A fashion-lovers dream is made a reality with the summer edition of the vintage market organized by Pimp my Vintage. The outdoor event will consist of stalls packed with unique garments and accessories as well as music, food and drinks. The location this time is InStabile, a new space dedicated to art, shows and live culture. Admission is free.
InStabile,are
Via della Funga 27, Florence (near Obihall)
CHAT/ The Creatives Conversations
6.30-8.30pm, July 21
Creative chats in a secret garden
A new series of gatherings created by Margherita Pandolfini and Joana Granero launches its first session as guests from the creative industries address all those creatively-inclined. The chats are accompanied by an aperitivo in a social and stimulating session. The inaugural event will see journalist, writer and Russian art producer Tatiana Trostnikova and architect Giacomo Salizzoni discuss their careers. The aperitivo costs 20 euro and reservations are required before July 20 by calling Margherita at 3495803147.
Orti Dipinti,
Borgo Pinti 76, Florence
NOTES/ 21st International Italian Brass Week Festival
July 19-26
Music lovers all over the world unite for the 21st edition of the festival dedicated to the best of brass, this year titled A Cosmic Breath: a virtual festival with real musicians. All events will be online only, with Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino acting as the stage for many of the performances. Eighty international soloists and renowned orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Berliner Philharmoniker surround you in music from the comfort of your own home. Masterclasses run by top educators will take place daily via Zoom, all for free and with no restriction on the number of participants. Created and directed by Luca Benucci, the festival will feature nuggets on food and wine from well-known names Leonardo Romanelli, Danilo Pirrone, Luisanna Messeri and Iginio Massari, as well as daily art-inserts to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Raphael. Brass not your thing? Electronic music and DJ sets make this a multi-genre music fest. Full programme available here.
INSTALLATION/ Liu Ruowang’s wolves
Until November 2
Not the usual queue outside Palazzo Pitti…
Wandering the streets of Florence today, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. 100 giant wolves have invaded the city, occupying Palazzo Pitti and Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Titled ‘Wolves coming’, Chinese artist Liu Ruowang is behind the work that reflects on the excesses in contemporary society. Their fierce metal forms, each weighing 280kg, swarm the centre of the Renaissance city, forcing us to reflect on our predatory perspective towards nature. The project was realized on the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and China.
VISIT/ Free guided tours
July 22-September 30
Discover Florence’s many treasures
Kickstarting tourism, the Fondazione CR Firenze has created a series of free guided tours titled ‘Florentine walks’ to support the industry. A long list of the best museums and gardens in the city are included to entice those in Florence to rediscover what’s on our doorstep. Aimed at residents both in Florence and nearby, particularly families, participating sites include the Accademia Gallery, the Botanical, Boboli and Bardini Gardens, the Uffizi Galleries and the Medici Chapels. 30 guides will bring you through the secrets of these stunning spots. The guided tours will take place both on weekdays and on Saturdays and Sundays, with reservations required by phone or email (tel. 055 6146853, email walksfiorentine@cscsigma.it). The complete calendar of visits is available here, varying from tours titled ‘Workshop life: Michelangelo’s Florence’ at the Accademia Gallery to ‘Activate your senses at the Botanical Garden of Florence’, a multisensory journey to get to know rare plants. These are extraordinary opportunities not to be missed.
