I love curating trips around people's passions and hobbies. When traveling, I enjoy seeing live music and have even performed in many summer music festivals. Having an opportunity to enjoy open air concerts with stunning back drops rich in history is a memorable way to immerse yourself in the destination.
If you are headed to Italy, like many of my clients this summer, there are iconic venues that should not be missed.
While in Venice, plan a day trip to Verona. This summer marks the 100th Anniversary of the world renowned Arena di Verona Festival starting June 16th - September 9th. Verdi's Aida will kick off the season followed by many other wonderful Verdi highlights including Nabucco, La Traviata, & Rigoletto. However, one of my favorites for this outdoor arena is Bizet's Carmen.
Headed to Rome? From May 30th to August 10th, at Teatro Grande, by the old thermal Baths of Caracalla, as well as at a new location, Teatro del Portico by Jupiter’s temple, there is something for everyone- opera, dance, cinema, theatre, great symphonic music, jazz and pop. The Rome Opera House‘s summer program becomes the Caracalla Festival with a backdrop of these incredible ruins.
Another popular destination this summer is Greece. Most travelers find themselves in Athens for at least a couple of nights and I would recommend adding to your itinerary an evening at the spectacular open-air theatre of Odeon Herodes Atticus. This magical setting at the base of the Acropolis, will have shows from June 1st to August 26th, 2023. Some standouts include Madame Butterfly, Verdi's Requiem, Mahler's 3rd, and Nabucco.
I was recently in London and I have already planned my return trip- I can't say enough about my love for this city. If you are headed there this summer, Hyde Park will bring a host of the world’s biggest artists to this famous London park for a series of incredible concerts. Kicking off the series will be Pink on June 24th, followed by Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.
Looking for a free concert? On Saturday June 10th the London Symphony Orchestra will play in the heart of London at the annual BMW Open Air Classics series in Trafalgar Square. The concert will open with Igor Stravinsky’s ‘orchestral fantasy’ Fireworks followed by the world premiere of Eloise Gynn’s new work, Light Dancing, commissioned for this occasion.
If you want to experience world class opera, with a bit of a twist, hop on a train to Glyndebourne, just an hour outside London. The prestigious Glyndebourne Festival Opera runs from May 19th- Aug 27th. While I know the performance isn't outside, the quintessential picnic in the well mannered gardens during the 90-minute interval is such a highlight. You can also experience an afternoon tea or elegant fine dining at one of their many restaurants if you prefer to stay indoors. Make sure to dress to impress, as Black Tie is custom and it is quite the show on the lawn. New to the Glyndebourne stage and one of my favorites- Verdi’s Luisa Miller, will be a wonderful addition to the season.
This is only a quick highlight of what you might experience this summer during your travels. Don't limit yourself to day tours of all the iconic sights. Cities come alive at night and are filled with amazing experiences. No matter where you find yourself, I would encourage you to take the time and enjoy a concert in the outdoors.
Music has the power to create an emotional connection to a time and place and I would love to be a part in planning this next incredible memory.
Comments