Our operas and concerts have been delighting Florentines and visitors to the region for many years - we are now in our 18th season (please read comments about us on TripAdvisor). The performances have been critically acclaimed by the Washington Post and The Guardian newspapers - as well as by the many thousands we have welcomed in the audiences.
In the beautiful and intimate setting of St Mark’s Church, only a few metres away from the performers, you will be enthralled by the dramatic stories unfolding before you. The performances are complete operas, apart from one or two slight adaptations to suit the intimate setting.
With drinks available to purchase in the interval, an English explanation of the opera at the beginning, and programme notes in Italian, English, French and German, the stage is set for a wonderful and memorable Night at the Opera in Florence!
Operas
Performing each work are professional opera singers in full costume, chosen from the best Opera Houses in the area, and accompanied by one of our top virtuoso pianists.
This season’s operas: La Bohème, Tosca, Madame Butterfly , La Traviata, Rigoletto, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Fille du Regiment, Elisir d’Amore.
Concerts
Highlights of Italian Opera & Neapolitan Songs, sung by a Soprano and/or Tenor/Baritone and piano works by Frederic Chopin, Franz Schubert, Franz Liszt, Claude Debussy - to highlight your stay in Florence.
What People Say
"When I was looking for opera performances to attend during my recent trip, I could not find one for the theater I went to 10 years ago. I saw that St. Mark's gave performances and saw the wonderful reviews online. I admit I was a bit skeptical, but I really wanted to see an opera. I reserved one ticket for Carmen online about two weeks before my trip. I received a prompt response that they received my request and all was set. What a wonderful experience! Having the performers so close pulls you into the opera! Each performer had wonderful voices and rivaled those I have seen in bigger venues. I actually had goosebumps a couple of times. I enjoyed it so much, that as soon as I arrived at my hotel after Carmen, I sent a request for the next night's performance - Love Duets. It was equally enjoyable. Yet again, I decided to go a third night and saw La Traviata. Franz (who manages the performances and was the pianist for the Duets performance) is so kind and funny. I believe his wife helps with ticketing and was so cheerful and welcoming. Being a solo traveler, it gave me a wonderful reason to be out at night. Whenever I visit Florence again, I will be sure to get a ticket for at least one performance. Bravo, Opera at St. Mark's, you are all stars."
"My wife and I attended LaTraviata while on vacation in Florence. It was my first live opera and what an eye opener. My father listened to the Met on his tinny radio when I was growing up in the 50s and I never understood why. The intimacy of the venue, the power and purity of the voices was stunning, and now I realize that he didn't just hear what was broadcast, he was remembering what he had heard live. That night, the music I experienced returned in my dreams as beautiful as it was performed in person."
"My wife and I attended the "Love Duets" in early November, 2019. it was outstanding! Franz--the piano player and organizer--gave a short explanation in English before each song. Franz is a crackerjack pianist who accompanied each song. The performers were top notch and we particularly appreciated the acting. This isn't a dry recital, the performers get it on with plenty of acting which adds a great deal of character to the performance. It is obvious that they enjoy the performance as much as the audience does. We've seen some of these types of offerings where the performers simply get up and do the job and there is no interaction with the audience--it is just a recital. ...not the case with Opera at St. Mark's--there is plenty to like with the performance."
Read more of our 1,000+ reviews here.
