While you’re often surrounded by tourists in museums and restaurants, if you venture out to a jazz club, puppet show, or concert, you’ll be blending in with Italian life. How fantastic to be in the midst of elegantly dressed patrons of the opera, or adorable children cheering at a puppet show. Where’s Fellini’s camera?
You may want to plan your entertainment in advance (recommended for opera), or there’s sure to be something wonderful going on you could just happen upon during your travels.
Italy is also world renowned for its summer festivals, which attract international artists and audiences. Here’s a chance to stay in one place and enjoy a variety of entertainments: theater, symphony orchestras, ballet, and film. Two of my favorite festivals:
Summer, www.ravellofestival.com
An outdoor stage is set up on a cliff overlooking the sea at the Villa Rufolo, where Richard Wagner came in 1880 and was inspired to write Parsifal. To be there on a moonlit night to hear an orchestra under the stars is an experience of a lifetime.
Late June to Mid-July, www.festivaldispoleto.com
A showcase for new and insightful theater and music, here you’ll find exciting events such as a play directed by Robert Wilson or opera directed by Woody Allen.
FOR WHAT-WHERE-WHEN IN ENGLISH
Rome: www.inromenow.com
Florence: www.theflorentine.net
Venice: www.aguestinvenice.com