Travel Guide by Shuttle Direct
  • Home
  • WHAT WE OFFER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Guides
    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Bulgaria
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Korea Republic
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukranie
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • News
    • Web Discounts and Coupons
MY BOOKING
  • en
HELP

Discover the Musical Attractions of Vivaldi’s Venice

Italy, Travel Guides | 18 December, 2016 | 0 | by Polly Hayes
Discover the Musical Attractions of Vivaldi’s Venice

Venice is famous for its beautiful sights from St Mark’s Basilica to the palaces that line its Grand Canal, but just as intoxicating as the city’s sights are its rich, resonant musical sounds.

Birthplace of Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi, Venice has a musical pedigree of which it is rightly proud and, as a result, there are few evenings in which you can not find the strains of Vivaldi issuing from some church, theatre or Grande Scuola.

But there is more to Italy’s famous city of waterways than just Vivaldi. Venice has a strong connection to classical music through the ages. As a visitor you can choose to listen to the competing orchestras playing in St Mark’s Square of an evening or visit one of its splendid musical venues based in its beautiful churches and palaces.

The city plays host to a number of home-grown orchestras and opera companies, as well as tempting many international artists to its shores. It is this combination of beautiful music played by first-class musicians and the city’s stunning music venues which makes it the perfect place to drink in Europe’s rich musical history.

Here are some of my favourite music venues in the city.

Stunning Theatres

The theatres of Venice in the 18th Century played host to the world’s premier composers who visited and saw their works put on in the city. Often composers of the time would choose to premier their work in Venice to rich and powerful Venetian audiences.

Teatro La Fenice

One of the most breath-taking venues in Venice is the Teatro La Fenice ‘theatre of the Phoenix’. The site on which Verdi premiered Rigoletto and La Traviata, where Rossini and Bellini staged operas and the venue for which Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Britten specifically composed work, the theatre is literally steeped in musical history. Named after a bird which rises from the ashes, ironically the theatre has actually burnt down twice, since it first opened in 1792. The latest fire in 1996 left nothing but a shell which was then rebuilt to replicate its 19th Century splendour. Opened again in 2004, the theatre now has the advantage of modern staging and sound equipment combined with its original beautiful décor.

Opera productions run at the theatre throughout the year. Check out the future programme of events here.

Teatro San Gallo

“Campo San Gallo, Venice” by Dimitris Kamaras licensed under CC BY 2.0

Those looking for a more varied programme including jazz, symphonic orchestras and, of course, opera, should visit the Teatro San Gallo. Opened in 2007, the theatre tries to provide an eclectic range of modern and historic music and theatre and is well worth checking out while you’re in Venice. Converted from an old 1920s cinema, itself converted from a 12th Century hydro-thermal spa belonging to the Bragadin family, the theatre is an intimate venue with a fascinating history.

Churches and Scuole

Theatres are not the only music venues in Venice with an intense connection to the city’s musical heritage. Throughout Venice many of the churches and Scuole have traditionally played host to musicians playing a range of music from sacred to Baroque masterpieces.

Basilica dei Frari


This beautiful Gothic church is a stunning venue for listening to sacred music from organ and orchestral performances to ethereal choir recitals. It has a regular autumn and spring musical season which is often low cost or even free. For those visiting over the Christmas season, there are special performances with a beautiful seasonal atmosphere, although you’ll need to wrap up warm – it does get chilly in the church.

San Vidal

For the kind of culture only Venice can provide, you can experience a musical recital at the 18th Century church of San Vidal while gazing at a stunning Carpaccio painting above the altar of St Vitalis riding one of the bronze San Marco horses, or a Piazzetta painting of the Archangel Raphael. A treat for both the eyes and ears.

Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

Venice’s famous Grande Scuole, were ‘Great Schools’ or guilds where professional people could gather but they were also an important part of the city’s musical history with many having their own musicians and orchestras. This tradition continues today with concerts held in many of the historic Scuola buildings. The 14th Century Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista plays host to Musica in Mashera, which is usually a kind of opera in miniature performed by an orchestra and choir. But if the music doesn’t inspire you, you can always gaze around at the Tintorettos and Tiepolos on the walls.

Scoula Grande di San Teodoro

For a truly traditional approach to opera visit the Scoula Grande di San Teodoro which specialises in traditional Baroque opera done in full 18th Century costume. There is plenty of Vivaldi to enjoy here as well as a ‘top hits’ selection of some of the world’s most famous arias.

How to Get to Venice

There are regular flights to Venice from most major UK airports with flight times from London of around two hours. Carriers which fly to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport include easyJet, British Airways and Monarch.

Because of Venice’s unique water-based geography the airport is located some distance from the city so be sure to book an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct and a driver will meet you when you land and take you to the start of the pedestrianised area.

Where to Stay

Hotel Ala – Base yourself in the centre of Venice, just over 500m from Saint Mark’s Square, at the Hotel Ala. This beautiful 18th Century hotel is done up in traditional, ornate Venetian style and is the perfect place from which to explore the city.

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione – Set over a canal with its own jetty entrance, the elegant, stylish Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione offers a unique Venice experience. Guests can sit and enjoy a glass of Prosecco on the hotel’s roof-top terrace and a delicious gourmet meal in its refined dining room, all in the heart of Venice.

San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice – For the ultimate luxurious Venetian indulgence why not spend your stay in Venice at the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice. Set on its own island with views of Venice across the lagoon, its own pool, elegant 5 star rooms, three restaurants and two bars, this really will provide an experience of a lifetime.

 

About Shuttle Direct

Well-known for providing a reliable, friendly airport transfer service across Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct can offer a seamless onward journey from the airport to your final destination. Bookings can be made online before you leave so you can rest assured your driver will be waiting at the airport to take you on to wherever you want to go.

ItalyVCEVenice

About the Author

Polly Hayes

Polly Hayes

Polly has a wealth of journalistic experience, having begun writing for weekly and monthly magazines more than 15 years ago. But while she’s always loved words and writing, her other passion has been for travel. Having journeyed around South East Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean, three years ago she decided to combine her two loves and become an online travel writer. Today she is lucky enough to write about the things she loves, from skiing in the Alps to finding the best family-friendly attractions on the Spanish Costa del Sol, for LeadGeneratorsDigital. When she’s not writing or travelling she loves just ‘hanging out’ with her partner and their two lovely daughters in North London and taking her slightly crazy labradoodle for long walks on Hampstead Heath.
View all posts by Polly Hayes →
Previous
Daredevil Winter Sports Lovers Make for Mayrhofen
Next
Fun for the Whole Family in Megève

Related Posts

  • Travel to Rome In February; The Advantages of a Winter Break in The Eternal City

    Travel to Rome In February; The Advantages of a Winter Break in The Eternal City

  • The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Rome

    The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Rome

  • Make the Most of Mestre (Even if You’re on a Budget)

    Make the Most of Mestre (Even if You’re on a Budget)

  • From Affordable to Fanciful: Venetian Bars for Every Budget

    From Affordable to Fanciful: Venetian Bars for Every Budget

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Origin not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

Destination not known. Check the value and select between results suggested.

You should at least select 1 passenger.

No

Additional Luggage?

Passengers Done
  • + -

  • + -

You should at least select 1 adult passenger.

Please indicate child age.

Additional Luggage Done

Each passenger may carry one standard piece of luggage and one small item of hand luggage (for example a handbag or laptop). If you have additional or extra large baggage or sporting equipment, select from the options below:

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

  • + +

Outbound journey Done
Flight arrival date
Flight arrival time

Please insert the date and time of your flight arrival (not take off), as informed by the airline. The driver will take into account luggage collection and inmigration formalities.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

Return journey
Done Flight return date
Flight departure time

Please insert the date and time the flight takes off, as informed by the airline. The pick-up time will be calculated automatically taking into account journey time and check-in time at airport.

:

Please please select hours.

Please please select mins.

ShuttleDirect

    banner

    Search

    Follow

    Categories

    • Albania
    • Algeria
    • Andorra
    • Armenia
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bahrain
    • Belarus
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Country Profile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czech Republic
    • Denmark
    • Discounts & Coupons
    • Dominican Republic
    • Egypt
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • Foodie Posts
    • France
    • Georgia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Indonesia
    • Infographics
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Katar
    • Korea Republic
    • latest news
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Macau
    • Macedonia
    • Malta
    • Moldova
    • Monaco
    • Montenegro
    • Morocco
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Recipes
    • Romania
    • Route Guides
    • Russia
    • San Marino
    • Serbia
    • Sin categoría @en
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • State of Kuwait
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Thailand
    • Travel Guides
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican
    • vietnam
    • vietnam
    • “Excellent Again, and Cheap as Chips!”

      “Excellent Again, and Cheap as Chips!”

      9 March, 2016 | 0
    • Staying Connected in Israel

      Staying Connected in Israel

      22 January, 2016 | 0
    • Almería Shore Excursions

      Almería Shore Excursions

      24 May, 2017 | 0

    Archives

    • November 2020 (3)
    • October 2020 (2)
    • September 2020 (2)
    • August 2020 (3)
    • July 2020 (5)
    • June 2020 (13)
    • May 2020 (6)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (8)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (11)
    • November 2019 (8)
    • October 2019 (8)
    • September 2019 (10)
    • August 2019 (15)
    • July 2019 (13)
    • June 2019 (15)
    • May 2019 (22)
    • April 2019 (22)
    • March 2019 (21)
    • February 2019 (20)
    • January 2019 (22)
    • December 2018 (33)
    • November 2018 (32)
    • October 2018 (34)
    • September 2018 (35)
    • August 2018 (35)
    • July 2018 (30)
    • June 2018 (32)
    • May 2018 (31)
    • April 2018 (30)
    • March 2018 (31)
    • February 2018 (34)
    • January 2018 (30)
    • December 2017 (33)
    • November 2017 (26)
    • October 2017 (23)
    • September 2017 (24)
    • August 2017 (37)
    • July 2017 (23)
    • June 2017 (26)
    • May 2017 (27)
    • April 2017 (27)
    • March 2017 (28)
    • February 2017 (24)
    • January 2017 (23)
    • December 2016 (20)
    • November 2016 (29)
    • October 2016 (30)
    • September 2016 (32)
    • August 2016 (41)
    • July 2016 (38)
    • June 2016 (40)
    • May 2016 (34)
    • April 2016 (36)
    • March 2016 (58)
    • February 2016 (33)
    • January 2016 (69)
    • December 2015 (37)
    • November 2015 (45)
    • October 2015 (50)
    • September 2015 (36)
    • August 2015 (33)
    • July 2015 (31)
    • June 2015 (28)
    • May 2015 (37)
    • April 2015 (35)
    • March 2015 (34)
    • February 2015 (17)
    • January 2015 (13)
    • December 2014 (5)
    • November 2014 (5)
    • October 2014 (6)
    • September 2014 (1)
    2003 - 2016 Shuttledirect operated by Viajes Alameda CV-Mm037A

    SHUTTLEDIRECT.COM

    • Service types
    • About us
    • help & FAQ
    • Sitemap

    LEGAL INFORMATION

    • Credit card security
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google +
    • linkedIn
    • YouTube
    • pinterest

    BUSINESS SERVICES

    • website owners
    • transport companies

    This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience.

    Find out more or adjust your settings.

    Powered by GDPR plugin
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

    3rd Party Cookies

    More information about our Cookie Policy