Opera isn't for everyone. It feels like one of those interests developed out of thin air past the…read moreage of 50. The length (Wagner can exceed 5 hours) and the fact that it's in a language not your own can be off-putting. Italy, however, is the birthplace of opera. If you're going to take it in, why not in its place of origin? "Opera at St Mark's" has fence-sitters covered. The price (25euro) is reasonable, the length (under 2 hours) is manageable and, though the songs are in Italian, the somewhat silly between song narrative from the piano player/emcee is in English. The show I saw was not an opera, but rather famous "Italian Opera Love Songs" performed by 3 opera singers solo or in tandem with the others. The show moves quickly and, in such an intimate venue, each seat in the house is akin to having front row seats in an actual opera venue. I discovered "Opera at St Mark's" while walking a block from my lodging. The flyers in the front described it as "#1 on TripAdvisor since 2011", a claim my 23-year old son questioned. I don't want to say we're disbelievers but... we are. The discussion we held around this claim inspired so much laughter that we didn't dare check TripAdvisor to fact check. The great thing about "Opera at St Mark's" is the street cred you get from having attended. You can enjoy what I'd call a "taste of opera" while returning home reporting that you "saw opera in Italy". The show's stars are talented opera performers who donate their time to this venture which raises funds for some philanthropic cause. Prosecco can be purchased and enjoyed during intermission though the introduction to that Prosecco makes it sound as if it's being provided gratis. "Opera at St Mark's" is a great excuse to go to the Oltrarno district (literally, the other side of the Arno). It's an easy walk from the Ponte Vecchio and tickets can be purchased at the door. Though there were about 50 people (many students) in attendance the night I was there, there was still much available seating. You can attend an opera in Italy, visit opera museums, or the homes of famous opera composers. This is an easy, fun way to check that "Italian Opera" box off your list. It's casual and tailored to English-speaking audiences, features talented performers, and leaves you plenty of time pre or post show for drinks and dinner in the neighborhood. It might also be "#1 on TripAdvisor".

I came across this gem when I was searching for night-time activities in Florence, Italy…read more Other places have given this opera performance extremely high praise and I thought "once in a lifetime" I have to at least try Italian Opera, despite being a total newbie, and basically knowing nothing of the subject, except for occasionally overhearing the Pavarotti & 4-tenors songs my late father used to love. Reservations were done over email and the organizer was very prompt in answering all my questions. This is a very small scale opera which only has a cast of less than 10, takes place in a small Anglican church, and whose proceeds go to charity to help African kids. Dress is casual. What is surprising is the high quality of the production - apparently they use local professionals who volunteer for these performances. The venue, being a church, has pretty good acoustics, and the place is small, cozy, and the performance is right in-your-face (in a good way). It is all geared towards english-speakers, so you do not need any knowledge of italian. After every quarter, the organizer Franz, will come to the stage and explain in plain english what just happened and give a vague idea of that will be happening in the next act. There are also paper english guides which give a brief synopsis of the story. The rainy weekday performance drew a crowd of about fifteen, although there were a number of no-shows too. Even then, a full crowd couldn't have numbered over 35. For such a small, almost personal performance, the low price was definitely worth it. I think if you are looking for something more unique and you want to learn about the local culture this is definitely a nice easy way to do so, and without all the stresses of figuring everything out in a foreign language. I highly recommend!

Was invited to a private event at this venue for an opera showcase…read more Located on the outskirts of Florence, this contemporary opera house stands out with its geometric building style. The place had tight security and smelled of new construction, but I was told all of that was for the private event. But its still under construction, because the original vision was to make it an arts complex with 3 stages. I was seated in the main opera house which seats 1800. The sound was excellent inside the venue. I could see this place becoming 5 stars, once the complex is finished being built.

I've been going to this opera house for years now and have enjoyed each visit. The entrance is very…read morenice walking into the opera. The building is still new and has a very nice walkway up to the entrance. Tr main auditorium is very large and can accompany a large audience. The sounds and lighting is very good for a performance or a speaker. I've seen both and thought I could hear and see even sitting from the back. The seats, which I think is important, are very comfortable :) once outside of the auditorium there are nice areas to walk through with nice pictures of fashionable and modern art. Bottom line...great place to watch a performance or hear a speaker. This opera is new just about 4 years old so expect a modern and comfortable experience with great seating, good lighting and great speakers so you can get a good show from any seat! Pros Modern and new auditorium with a grand entrance Very close to the city center and cascine Park Nice walkways full of modern and fashionable art Cons No major cons here but I would say there are other opera houses that have a nicer ambience