Listening to Haydn or Mozart, Monteverdi or Astor Piazzolla, in the woods of San Vivaldo, among the chapels of Tuscany’s small “Jerusalem”, under the gaze of the motionless inhabitants made of polychrome terracotta, who have lived in those chapels for 500 years. Who could wish for anything more on a summer’s afternoon? You can experience this rare privilege every Sunday in July during the Classica festival.

The Classica festival is one date on the list of events organised for the Montaionese Summer that you won’t want to miss. A tribute to music from every era, organised by the Municipalities of Montaione and Gambassi Terme, in two enchanting venues: the Parish Church of Santa Maria in Chianni and the “Jerusalem” of San Vivaldo.

The concerts are given by ensembles from the Tuscany Regional Orchestra. Founded in Florence in 1980, the T.R.O. is considered one of the best orchestras in Italy. In recognition of the excellence of its 44 musicians, it has been invited to perform at festivals and the most prestigious concert halls in Europe and around the world.

The versatility of the orchestra even allows it to perform as graceful chamber ensembles, and its soloist groups, ranging from trios to quintets, to small ensembles, are the protagonists of the musical afternoons at San Vivaldo. These concerts combine the most famous pieces from musical history with an original selection of works and composers that are less well-known to the general public. In any case, the setting of San Vivaldo and the musicians from the Tuscany Regional Orchestra are a winning combination, which makes the Classica festival an unforgettable experience.