Florence Musical May

Florence Musical May (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino)

May-JuneThe Florence May Festival was first held in 1933, and it ­ wasn't long before it had established itself as one of the most important international festivals in Italy. It offers chamber and symphonic music, ballet, and dance, and is recognized as a pioneer in its efforts to revive rare foreign and Italian operas. Most of the larger events are held in the Teatro della Pergola or the more modern Teatro Comunale, home of the festival's resident opera company.
In the past, when operas were staged outdoors, the city fathers had to ban the Vespa motor scooters that young Florentines use to get around, for fear that the noise would ruin the listening experience for festivalgoers.
Many of the world's greatest singers have performed at the festival, among them Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Mario del Monaco, and Boris Christoff. The festival regularly commissions new opera and dance productions, using funds received from the Ministry of Culture.
CONTACTS:
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Foundation
Corso Italia 16
Firenze, Tuscany 50123 Italy
39-55-2779-1; fax: 39-55-2872-22
www.maggiofiorentino.com
SOURCES:
GdWrldFest-1985, p. 117
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 242
MusFestEurBrit-1980, p. 114
MusFestWrld-1963, p. 100