Monday 21 June 2010

Summer in the City in Rome

Rome rings to the sound of music during summer, when most of its main musical events take place. Although some concerts are staged indoors, many are held outside, making the most of those long, languid Roman nights.

The baths at the front of Hadrian’s Villa make a dramatic setting for The International Festival of Hadrian’s Wall (until July 18th) which features international acts as diverse as the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan (June 22 and 23) and Elvis Costello, who will close the Rome summer festivalsfestival.
Another festival with a stunning setting is Cosmophonies (until July 28th) at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica. Acts here will run the full spectrum, from the disco icons The Village People (July 20th) to the punk rock poet Patti Smith and a narrated piece on Chopin accompanied by his sublime piano music (July 28th).

All throughout July, Rock in Roma presents big names in the world of contemporary music at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle, kicking off with The Cranberries on July 5th and finishing with Jamaican singer Shaggy on July 30th

Architect Renzo Piano’s stunning Parco della Musica will host Luglio Suona Bene (July Sounds Good) from June 26th to end-July. This year’s programme is fantastic, with concerts from Tricky, one of the pioneers of trip-hop, the perennial Buena Vista Social Club (whom are always guaranteed a warm welcome in Italy) and Norah Jones, to name a few.

Classical music fans are not left out either. Musical Festival of the Nations will take place in two superb, open-air settings: the Teatro de Marcello archaeological park and the garden of the Villa Torlonia. The festival, which runs until early October, focuses on recital and chamber music. Rome’s Opera House will launch its summer season on July 5th, and features three productions: Romeo and Juliette, Aida and Rigoletto.