Bocelli Concert in Lajatico 2013 – Picnic on music’s footsteps

I was one of the lucky people who took prompt action after the Bocelli concert in Lajatico  (July 13th) tickets were released and bought a few of them for myself and my clients.

It’s amazing how Bocelli’s fans are planning the event early in time, booking accommodation one year in advance and taking options on tickets and services with travel agencies, so that they can monitor the opening of the ticket office and purchase the best position as soon as they are out. This year, it just took one week to be sold out very quickly…even the premium tickets right in front of the stage, which cost around €2000!

I wish to share some of my planning for the 2013 event, which is falling on Saturday, making things even harder considered that many other locals and tourists will be around for different reasons.

Accommodation

I found the best availability and welcome at Pieve dè Pitti Relais and Bed and Breakfast. Caterina, the charming owner, is a very kind and pleasant person who is making her most to help her guests enjoy her stay. 

Not only Pieve dè Pitti is one of the closest to the concert and to the ticket office in La Sterza (where tickets need to be claimed, if not shipped to your home address), but Caterina is usually providing assistance to transfer her clients to get the free shuttle bus to the concert and, when possible, offering a tasty aperitif before the concert starts.

Dine out or pic-nic?

If you are thinking about having dinner at one of the available restaurants in the area, plan it in advance and arrange for a fixed menu. Restaurants are usually opening their kitchens not earlier that 7pm and the cancert is starting around 9.30. If you have numbered seats, you can take your time and enjoy the meal, though considering lack of parking for late comers. If you have un-numbered seats, then you might have two options, either enjoying a rich pic-nic on the fields around the theatre or some sandwiches right inside it. This year, I’ll go for the first choice!

Castellani Wine, focaccia bread, some salame and ham, cheese with honey and preserves, black olives (fantastic aperitif with red Chianti wine!),  fresh fruits and maybe some slices of homemade pie!

You will have plenty of space to lay your blanket and when the gates will open, you’ll be ready to walk up the entrance and wait for sunset to come behind the stage, before the show starts off! See you there!

Bocelli's concert in Lajatico 2012

The most awaited event of the summer, which combines the undisputed talent of Bocelli and his international guest  artists (casting yet to be announced!) with a lovely setting on the Tuscan hills. Two main dates to be marked on you calendar: July 12th for the main event and 11th for the reahearsal. 

The concert will begin right after sunset,  when the hills that surround the Theater of Silence will be painted in dark and the stage light up. Lajatico is a small village near Volterra in the heart of Tuscany, where the Bocelli family owns a farm and produces excellent wines. Before the concert, stop in La Sterza to taste wines from the Bocelli cellars. Entrance will be allowed around one hour before the start. Enjoy panorama of lush green hills of Lajatico by the unique position within the Theatre of Silence and toast with fresh wine and some snacks before the show begins.
There are not many hotels and accommodation in the surroundings which allow one night only reservation. I'd rather chck for a place in nearby villages such as Volterra, but also Latignano, Crespina, Chianni:
Here is a small selection:
Weekly stays: http://www.poggioalcasone.com/
B&B and charme villa  http://www.villamaya.it/
Country B&B http://www.bbpapaveriepapere.it/
B&B http://www.poderelasterza.com/
As for restaurants
La Mangiatoia in Orciatico
Ristoro d'Italia da Nello in Lajatico

We can provide tickets, bookings and excursions on demand, so that you can skip any queue and just enjoy this magnific event!
For more info, also check my previous post on 2010 event.

The Theatre of Silence opens again this year for a one only event on Thursday July 21st

The 2011 edition takes a look special, because the Theatre of Silence and its Honorary President, Master Andrea Bocelli, enthusiastically accepted an invitation from the Ambassador Extraordinary of the Republic of China in Italy to host "Bravo China".

"Bravo China" is a show in which internationally renowned Chinese artists together key actors of the host country, from the world of beautiful singing, dance and pop music, a spectacular event that creates a dialogue and an exchange of high-profile artistic between two countries so far away, the night of the Theatre of Silence will artistically closer.

The nine previous editions have crossed all five continents, from Hollywood to Rio de Janeiro through the Acropolis in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

"Bravo China" will also be a televised event and will be broadcast on major national networks of the two countries.

Confirmed the presence of Maestro Andrea Bocelli is joined with that of the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, an artist of established reputation, who has performed with orchestras all over the world.

The artistic cast of the event is still being finalized, but it is already secure the presence of tenor Dai Yuqiang, the pride of Chinese opera, and the singer Liu Huan, who in 2008, he performed the official theme song of the opening ceremony Olympic Games in Beijing, "You and Me", with British singer Sarah Brightman.

The cast includes the extraordinary participation of the Italian violinist Uto Ughi, of Etoile 's Eleanor Abbagnato Opera Garnier in Paris, and flutist Andrea Griminelli.

Suggestions

How to get there

If you have a car, you can enjoy a nice walk up to the yellow hills, where wheat grass has turned dry after June harvest.

You can also stop to by some food on your way and have a pic nic before the gates open.

NB: there is a quite steep slope to reach for the entrance which might not be suitable for people having heart or walking problems. Ambulances and volunteers are ready to help anybody in need to reach for it and have a preferential entrance.

Vans and Shuttle can park in La Sterza Parking, where the ticket office is and a public shuttle will drive you to the theatre.

Cons

After the concert, have some patience and stay in the line with your car...or get out before the end and avoid the dust cloud raised by cars...

Tickets

The official ticket seller and organizer of the event is Four One: http://www.fourone.it/ and tickets are available since March 29th. Hurry up then! Last year tickets went sold out in one week!

The tickets will go on general sale on 4/4/2011 on WWW.VIVATICKET.IT AND ALSO WWW TICKETONE.IT.

Tickets goes from €69 in green area to €230 in executive.

Tickets shall be claimed at the parking area in La Sterza, then plan to be there in due advance of the beginning. Queues are quite long!

Tickets are not delivered without an ID or passport.

As for accommodation

I strongly recommend:

Poggio al Casone estate in Crespina, if you are spending one week in Tuscany: http://www.poggioalcasone.com/

or very close to Lajatico:

Agriturismo La Mandriola http://www.agriturismolamandriola.com/

On weekly rental again, but for a cheaper rate, I found a cosy apartment in the heart of Lajatico village:

http://www.lajatico.info/AppartamentoCastelloLajatico.htm

you can even walk to the event from here.

Last, I'd suggest the old Mansion of Pieve dè Pitti in La Sterza:

http://www.pievedepitti.it/country-guesthouse/accommodation.html

When you are there, do not forget to taste the Bocelli family wine at his cellar in La Sterza: http://www.albertobocelli.com/

Wishversilia welcomes any request or query to make your sojourn in Tuscany unforgetable!

Enjoy the event!