August in Rome is an eclectic and exciting mix of world music, theater, opera, jazz, and much more.
Ara Malikian – Tuesday 2
Versatile violin genius Ara Malikian offers a unique repertoire in his one-night-only concert at the outdoor Cavea of the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Widely considered one of the greatest and most expressive contemporary violinists, this Spanish musician of Lebanese origin and Armenian descent is known across the world for his unique way of expertly combining sophisticated classical and baroque music with the sounds of the Middle East, the Gypsy tradition, Flamenco, and Latin America, adding a dash of rock’n’roll, a burst of punk rock, and even hints of electronica. The so-called “rockstar Paganini” is joined on stage by a spectacular band of stellar Cuban musicians: Ivan Melon Lewis (piano), Ivan Ruiz Machado (bass), Georvis Pico Milan (drums), and Dayan Abad (guitar). auditorium.com
Midsummer Night’s Dream – From Wednesday 3 to Sunday 14
By far the best way to see Shakespeare’s decadent and delightful comedy Midsummer Night’s Dream is under the light of the moon on a balmy summer night. The production (translated into Italian) goes up at Rome’s very own Globe Theatre, a historically accurate recreation of the famous London playhouse, located in lush Villa Borghese. Watch the show from one of the several rows of balconies, or grab a cheap seat on the floor (bring a cushion!) and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered back in time. globetheatreroma.com
The Barber of Seville – Tuesday 2 to Tuesday 9
The towering ruins of the Baths of Caracalla provide an imposing backdrop for the most recent production of Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Rossini’s crowd-pleaser The Barber of Seville. You don’t need to be an opera aficionado to appreciate the catchy melodies, hilarious misunderstandings, and light-hearted love story. You might even find yourself singing along with the famous “Figaro!” refrain. And to see a world-class performance in such a dramatic open-air setting makes it all the more memorable. This original production with stage direction by Lorenzo Mariani is presented under the baton of Stefano Montanari. operaroma.it
Pink Floyd Legend – Wednesday 3
You may have missed your chance to see Pink Floyd perform live by a couple of decades, but it’s not too late to live your dream. Attending a concert by Pink Floyd Legend, the number one tribute band for the immortal progressive rock ensemble, is the next best thing. This year the band is accompanied by an orchestra and chorus made up of over 100 musicians to present Atom Heart Mother at the outdoor Cavea of the Auditorium PDM. Performer and composer Ron Geesin joins the group on stage in this concert-event that unfolds through an extraordinary combination of classical and rock music, alternating with elegant melodies and pure symphonic power. The show will also feature some of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits, for over two hours of music featuring incredible new light and laser design and surprising scenographic effects. auditorium.com
Casa del Jazz – Until Sunday 7
The Casa del Jazz, Rome’s premier venue for jazz, in conjunction with the Auditorium Parco della Musica, presents a series of outdoor summer concerts every year. This year’s edition wraps up the first week of the month so you’re just in time to hear some world-class jazz in an evocative setting. Some of the most stellar names in Italian and international jazz round out the program, including the John Pattitucci Trio, Paolo Fresu, the Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra featuring Olexander Sora, Enzo Abitabile, Peppe Servillo, Fabio Concato, Lydian Sound Orchestra featuring David Murray. One special night, 2 August, brings jazz music and dance together in a performance by the Sergio Bernal Dance Company. The grassy hills and lush foliage of the grounds at the Casa del Jazz make it the ideal spot to enjoy a summer night of jazz. casadeljazz.com
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