Concerto di Natale dei Bambini

Some of the most precious classical music events in Florence are those that are not advertised, those that you don’t hear about unless you know someone who is tied-in to local musical circles. An important part of my Florentine experience has been the unique part that music has played in my life thanks to having special friends who are musicians, opera connoisseurs and one very special friend Maestro Cesare Orselli, an opera professor and critic.  Being invited to, or just being made aware of what’s going on behind the scenes in the musical arena has opened up doors to many a special concert that I never would have otherwise known about.

In the past couple of weeks I’ve attended several special concerts, most with a Christmas theme, but the one I attended today at Chiesa di Ognissanti was really special because it was the Christmas Concert of the Centro Musicale Suzuki di Firenze, a music school that develops a child’s musical talent from the age of 3 and up. A dear friend and family invited me to this magical concert in which their 6 year old Costanza plays the violoncello in an orchestra of 100 children among violins, harps, piano and flutes.

With the inspirational and historic Chiesa Ognissanti as the backdrop, and the children playing so reverently and confidently…it was a rich pleasure to see such youngsters appreciating and developing their musical talents at such a sweet age. It was a remarkable performance filled with emotion, a very fitting prelude to the Christmas season.

Earlier in the season I was honored to attend a memorial Requiem to famous pianist Fausta Cianti, at the Chiesa S. Stefano by the Ponte Vecchio.