Venice's most magical musical venues
Planning a vacation to Italy's 'Queen of the Adriatic'? Take our photographic tour and travel now to some of Venice's finest classical music venues.
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1. Indulge in a sumptuous night at La Fenice
Venice's main opera house has been destroyed by fire and risen from the ashes more times than you'd care to mention. No wonder it's named 'the phoenix'. The present incarnation was inaugurated in December 2003. Photo: Getty
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2. Watch Verdi in St. Mark's Square
A remark often attributed to Napoleon dubbed the Piazza San Marco 'the drawing room of Europe'. These days you might be lucky enough to catch an open-air performance by La Fenice company of Verdi's 'Otello' outside the Doge's Palace. Photo: Getty
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3. Be transported at a sacred music concert at i Frari
St. Mary of the Friars, more commonly known as 'i Frari', is one of Venice's greatest churches. It's the perfect setting for superb performances of sacred music, organ recitals and free afternoon concerts held especially over Christmas and the New Year. Phtoto: Welleschik
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4. Vivaldi around the clock
One of Venice's oldest churches, San Giacomo di Rialto hosts performances by the Ensemble Antonio Vivaldi. Don't rely on the 15th century clock though - it's a notoriously bad time-keeper. Photo: PA
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5. Go for Baroque in Venice's prison
Just across the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge's Palace, Venice's Palazzo delle Prigioni hosts concerts by the Collegium Ducale Orchestra - which performs its Venetian Baroque and German Romantic repertoires several times a week.
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6. Discover condensed opera at La Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista
This 'Great School' - dating from the 14th-century - has paintings by Tintoretto and Tiepolo. It also hosts 'Musica in maschera', an orchestra and choir performing opera highlights. Photo: Didier Descouens
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7. Catch a choir for free at Santa Maria Formosa
This charming church is the alternative venue for performances by the Collegium Ducale Orchestra and also hosts free concerts by visiting foreign choirs. Photo: Didier Descouens
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8. Immerse yourself in paintings and music at the Chiesa di San Vidal
This early 18th-century church, with its Palladian façade, is filled with superb paintings. Classical music concerts by the Interpreti Veneziani are held most evenings. Photo: Didier Descouens
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9. Hear opera in a palace
At the 15th century Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, the audience move around various rooms to experience the different scenes from the opera being performed. Photo: Didier Descouens
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10. Experience all Four Seasons at the Ateneo San Basso
Just off St. Mark's Square, the Ateneo regularly puts on Vivaldi's Four Seasons and other works by the Red Priest, played by the St Mark's Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Didier Descouens
