“E lucevan le stelle” draws together musicians & singers to celebrate San Lorenzo, the night of shooting stars
Lucca’s famed circle of Renaissance walls will again host a series of free concerts by outstanding musicians and operatic singers from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am on August 10, 2023. The city’s iconic Guinigi Tower and the Tower of the Hours will also be open that night to allow a closer view of the stars, and a virtual tour of works by Claude Monet will open in the Castello di San Donato for the first time.
Named for the famous aria in Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca: “And the stars shone,” the evening promises to show off many of Lucca’s talented performers to citizens and tourists alike, as they move freely from balwark to balwark to enjoy the performers and explore the walls.
Casermette – small house-like buildings on the walls that house clubs for everything from historical reenactments to the mint – will be open to allow everyone to learn more about their activities and meet their members in costume.
Tango dancers and a gospel choir will also perform, assuring that every expanse of the walls will be turned into an informal stage. For those looking to cool off with something delicious, ice cream carts will also tour the walls this year, offering their wares.
The event was first organized by the municipal administration of Mario Pardini to showcase Lucca’s myriad classical music groups during a period of heightened tourism that was lacking in evening entertainment.
Its great success led to the return of “E lucevan le stelle”, with still more musical groups participating and with improved services. Lighting has been added and some seating will be made available for those seeking it. Concert details will be available soon, promises Assessor of Culture Mia Pisano, who along with Tourism Assessor Remo Santini, expressed great excitement about the elegance of the venue and sophistication of the planned offerings.
For further information about events in Lucca visit: Lucca Tourism
