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March 27, 2023
Music tours to Tuscany have long been a specialist region for us.
Here our Italian Operations Manager, Eleanor Robinson tell us why this is such a unique and rewarding region for our young ensembles.
I have been organising concerts in Southern Tuscany and Umbria for 25 years and there is still always something new and exciting to discover, every time I go there. There is such a variety of traditions, architecture, art and landscape within these two regions. There are rolling hills, wooded, wild boar infested mountains, walled cities in the “pietra serena” of Tuscany or the more pinky fairytale stone of Umbria and so many vineyards.
I hear endless tales of rival towns such as the ones that still call each other cinghiali (wild boar) and rospi (toads), even though the rivalry started way back in the thirteenth century. I used to live in the “cinghiale” town and teach in the “rospi” town. Each town will claim that their cuisine is the best, and what a lot of wonderful and varied cuisine and produce there is: cheeses from Pienza, Fiorentina steak from the Chiana valley, wild boar ragu with pappardelle and juniper berries, truffles and porcini from the woods and mountains, and salamis from Norcia in Umbria - just to name a few!
The squares
Tuscany and Umbria are full of beautiful little hilltop towns that are perfect for spring, summer and autumn concerts. All types of musical groups can perform in stunning central squares with renaissance and medieval churches, cathedrals and palaces providing the backdrop. The acoustics are surprisingly good for outdoor venues as the squares are well enclosed. Performers will never forget these settings with their captive, lively and usually vocally appreciative audiences!
The churches
There are opportunities for some groups to perform in beautiful renaissance churches and cathedrals, either during mass or an afternoon or evening concert. For example, the Duomo in Perugia or even the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. Some groups even take part in Mass in St Peter’s in Rome.
The festivals
The local government in Perugia organises a little music festival which can include our groups, with venues in Perugia and surrounding towns. These may be either churches or squares. They also have a beautiful concert hall in the prestigious Sala dei Notari inside the Palazzo dei Priori. This is extremely grand and was built from 1293 to 1297. It used to be the town hall and is where the nobility used to meet. It is right in the main square of Perugia, opposite the Cathedral. There are a few other festivals available in the area such as Umbria Jazz. They all take part between Spring and Autumn when the weather is more favourable for outdoor concerts.
The local Italians in this part of central Italy are very welcoming and sometimes even offer local delicacies as refreshments for the performers. The food in these regions is outstanding!
Our groups can stay right on the banks of Lake Trasimeno in Passignano or close to Montepulciano in Chianciano Terme. Both are within easy travelling distance from Perugia, Siena, Assisi, smaller Umbrian towns like Todi and Trevi and smaller Tuscan towns and cities like Cortona, Montepulciano and Pienza. Larger cities like Florence and even Rome are also possible concert venues or excursions.
There is a water park that can be reached from either Passignano or Chianciano and pedalos can be hired on the lake. Our groups always enjoy visiting Perugina chocolate factory just outside Perugia.
A music tour in Southern Tuscany and Umbria really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young musicians; a chance to perform in and discover a part of Italy that is rich in culture and gastronomy as well as beautiful weather and stunning landscapes.
Destinations
