This July and August as ever sees the beautiful medieval walled city host a wide range of musical events. The main square Piazza Napoleone hosts the summer festival, and the concerts this year include:
6th July – Crosby, Stills and Nash
9th July – George Benson
14th July – Lauryn Hill
15th July – Jamiroquai
17th July – Youssou N’Dour
18th July – Terence Blanchard
19th July – Fiorello
20th July – Subsonica
21st July – Van Morrison
22nd July – Giorgia & Ricky Fante
23rd July – James Brown
As befits the hometown of Giacomo Puccini there is a series of concerts every week throughout the year held in the Basilica di San Giovanni(near the duomo). The concerts of arias and duets last from 7pm-8.15pm and are held every Tuesday,Thursday and Friday evenings.
Nearby in Torre Del Lago is the world famous Puccini Festival now anticipating its 51st season.The open air opera house is sited by the lake and closeby is Puccini’s Villa (open to the public at selected times). This season includes:
La Faniculla Del West – 22nd July,30th July,12th August.
La Boheme – 23rd July,31st July,6th August,18th August.
Turandot – 29th July,7th August,13th August,20th August.
Madame Butterfly – 5th August,11th August,17th August
More details available at www.puccinifestival.com
Less than an hour away is Pistoia which on 8th/9th/10th July hosts the Pistoia Blues Festival. Acts appearing include Chuck Berry,Robert Cray,B.B.King,Country Joe Macdonald,Jefferson Starship and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Also nearby is Barga which hosts an opera festival each year. This years starts on 16th July and details are available from www.barganews.com/operabarga .
There are more concerts by visting orchestras and performers and details can be found in Grapevine Magazine, an English language magazine for Lucca and surrounding area.
To find out more about Lucca, have a look at our Lucca guide.
