December
In the spotlight
Opera. Classical music. Ballet
Off the beaten track
Exhibitions
Theatre
Sport
Jazz. Pop. Rock
Culture
Preview
In the spotlight: December in Rome
It's deepest winter and December is here!
This Christmas Rome offers us thousands of little packages and packets done up in gold
paper and string: let's unwrap them and find out what's inside!
Among the many exhibitions taking place around the city we highly recommend "De Chirico
e il museo" (a retrospective of this classical artist) and "From Rembrandt to Vermeer", a
rich overview of the work of major Flemish painters. Also worth a visit is the show in Palazzo
Venezia of another painterly genius, Giuseppe Modica, and the exhibition of Basil
Theocharakis, master of sea art. This is the last opportunity to catch painting-photography
exhibition "Visions of the Grand Tour from the Hermitage", that brings together works
by German, Italian and Dutch artists.
What about music? This month check out the live concerts by the likes of Claudio Baglioni
(on his "Q.P.G.A." tour), Giorgia, Zucchero, Cesare Cremonini, Mario Venuti and
Gianluca Grignani, but also the traditional Christmas concerts, such as those of the buzzing
'Gospel Festival' and the many concerts on at the city Auditorium.
On the classical front, some great operas can be seen in Rome this month, such as
"Othello" and "The Barber of Seville"; great ballets such as "The Nutcracker"; but also
many concerts: by the city's Philharmonic Orchestra, by the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, at
the Gonfalone venue, in Borromini's Sacristy... And don't miss "Notre Dame de
Paris", the mega operatic event by Riccardo Cocciante.
It's time to find out what Rome's theatres and stages have in store for us this month. For the
younger set, there's the fantastical "Mickey Mouse Magic Show", the musicals "Poveri
ma belli (Poor but beautiful)" and "High School Musical", and two classical Neapolitan
dramas, "Miseria e nobiltà" and "Quaranta ma non li dimostra" with Luigi De Filippo.
We can't wait to see Francesca Reggiani in "Questioni di prestigio" and Anna
Marchesini's spirited performance in "Giorni felici".
And it's not over yet: you can still catch the last few days of the "Romaeuropa Festival",
the guided tours of the Appia Antica park, the many events being hosted at the
auditorium for Christmas under the "Natale all'Auditorium" banner, and last but not least,
the traditional Christmas rituals, both religious (such as the masses in St Peter's
Square) or the pagan (such as the Christmas market in Piazza Navona)...
Exhibitions
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Musei Capitolini
060608
- Palazzo dei Conservatori, Sala degli Arazzi. Piazza del Campidoglio, 1. Info
Until 6 Jan 2009: Ospitando... l'Apollo di Mantova (Hosting the Apollo of Mantua)
This exhibition is part of the "Ospitando..." series that encourages the circulation - in the
literal sense of the term - of art, i.e. the exchange of works between different museums in
different cities. The Capitoline museums host this refined sculpture - a marvellous marble
Apollo probably dating back to Hadrian's era - which is on loan from the Palazzo Ducale in
Mantua for a limited time. Tue-sun h9-10. €8, reduced €6 (the ticket includes entry into the
exhibition, "The invention of the Imperial Fora. Demolition and archaeological excavations:
1924-1940)
Scuderie del Quirinale,
via XXIV Maggio, 16. Info 0639967500
Until 11 Jan 2009: Giovanni Bellini
One of the most famous Italian painters of the 15th century, Giovanni Bellini (a.k.a. as
Giambellino) is celebrated in this exhibition. His contribution to the development of painting
techniques was considerable, and ranged from the employment of tempera paints to his very
particular use of oils in the manner typical of Flemish painters, creating soft tones and
amazing light and colour effects. About 70 of Giambellino's works (including his famous
'Baptism of Christ') are displayed in the Scuderie del Quirinale exhibition venue and will be
followed by shows featuring the masterpieces of Titian and Giorgione.
GNAM Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna,
viale delle Belle Arti, 131. Info 06322981
Until 25 Jan 2009: De Chirico e il museo (De Chirico and the museum)
Thirty years after the death of the great painter from Volos, a retrospective is dedicated to
the classicist and inventor of metaphysical painting. For De Chirico art was a compass with
which to orient oneself in the sea of emotion. About 30 paintings and drawings illustrate the
relationship between the artist and classical heritage. Particularly worth mentioning are the
works that are clearly influenced by Michelangelo, Titian, Guido Reni, or Rubens.
Complesso del Vittoriano, via San Pietro in Carcere. Info 066780664
Until 8 Feb 2009: Picasso Arlecchino 1917 - 1937
A unique exhibition curated by Yve-Alain Bois shows 180 pieces by Pablo Picasso, on loan
from the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Museu Picasso in Barcelona. Oils, etchings and
drawings tell of the artist's life and work between 1917 and 1937 - a period that came after
the cold melancholy of the blue period, the pale cheerful tones of the pink period, the
determined lines of the African period and the intuition and decomposition of the Cubist
period - when the Spanish artist was in a discovery phase in which different styles and
inspirations converge and were transformed into something free from the constraints and
labels of critics.
Colosseo, piazza del Colosseo
Until 15 Feb 2009: Rovine e rinascite nell'arte italiana (Ruins and rebirths in
Italian art)
This exhibition focuses on the themes of recovering and preserving the artistic and natural
landscape of the nation. These 60 works tell of the various measures and developments that
Italy has developed - decrees, laws, private and collective actions - to safeguard its most
beautiful sites and treasures. The exhibition is divided into six sections - "The origins of
conservation", "Italian Unity and National education", "20th century progress", "Fascist
propaganda and war", "The development of conservation principles" and "Counter-trends:
conservation today" - and among the many works on show are the Birth of Bacchus from
Budapest, the statue of the Goddess Niobe from the Villa dei Quintili and fragments of the
Metopes of Selinunte sculptures from Palermo. h8,30-16,30. €11, reduced €6,50
Museo del Corso,
via del Corso, 320. Info 0667862098
Until 15 Feb 2009: Da Rembrandt a Vermeer. Valori civili nella pittura fiamminga e
olandese del '600 (From Rembrandt to Vermeer. Civil values in 17th century
Flemish and Dutch painting)
Rubens' "Landscape with a hanged man" and Rembrandt's "The money changer" are just two
of the artistic gems on show in this exhibition curated by Bernd Lindemann, the head of
Berlin's Gemaldegalerie. This prestigious museum has loaned some 55 masterpieces from the
so-called "Golden Age" (17th century) of Flemish painting for the exhibition. The works on
show the wealth of this cultural period through landscapes, portraits, domestic interiors and
the representation of sacred themes.
Galleria Nazionale d'arte antica in Palazzo Barberini
13. Info 064824184 e 064814591
- Sala del Caravaggio. Via delle IV Fontane,
Until 23 Feb 2009: Un'ospite misteriosa a Palazzo Barberini (A mysterious guest in
Palazzo Barberini)
The painting of Saint Catherine of Alexandria can be seen in the stupendous Sala del
Caravaggio and is on loan from the Musée des Beaux Arts in Nantes (which in return has
borrowed Simon Vouet's 'Buona Ventura' for their own venue). This work is by Roman artist,
Angelo Caroselli, a pioneer of naturalism whose work often had a philosophical vein and
overtones of witchcraft. Catherine, the patron saint of philosophers, with her jewellery and
sumptuous clothing, evokes pagan priestesses, and in the painting she is imbued in a highly
colourful and theatrical atmosphere and displayed alongside "the Holy Family during the
Flight to Egypt", a work by the same artist.
Chiostro del Bramante,
via della Pace. Info 0668809035
Until 5 Apr 2009: Giulio Cesare. L'uomo, le imprese, il mito (Julius Caesar. The
man, the enterprise, the myth)
An exceptional and exclusive event coming up in Rome is the first show dedicated to a
quintessential figure in Roman history. Julius Caesar was the link between the republic and
the empire, a charismatic man and an extraordinary leader. A series of valuable
archaeological finds - sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, jewels, gems, coins - are on show, as are
sculptures and paintings by major artists like Hayez, Tiepolo and Rubens that tell the story of
Caesar's life. Tue-fri h10-20; sat-sun h10-21. €10, reduced €7
Musei di Roma, info 060608
From 8 Dec to 5 Jan 2009: Apertura straordinaria dei musei (Late museum
openings for Christmas)
The city's museums will stay open late during the Christmas holidays. Venues participating in
the initiative: Musei Capitolini, Centrale Montemartini, Mercati di Traiano, Museo dell'Ara
Pacis, Museo Barracco, Museo della Civiltà Romana, Museo delle Mura, Villa di Massenzio,
Museo di Roma, Museo Napoleonico, MACRO, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Museo Pietro Canonica,
Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Musei di Villa Torlonia, Planetario e Museo Astronomico, Museo
Civico di Zoologia www
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Complesso del Vittoriano,
via San Pietro in Carcere
Until 8 Dec: Luciano Pavarotti. L'uomo che emozionò il mondo (Luciano Pavarotti.
The man who moved the world)
Photos, videos and other souvenirs pay tribute to one of the strongest and most famous
voices on the planet: that of Luciano Pavarotti. This exhibition, which was curated by second
wife Nicoletta Mantovani and Alessandro Nicosia, includes audio materials, stage costumes,
posters and librettos and traces the extraordinary career of the man known as Big Luciano.
His incredible voice accompanies us as we make out way through this exhibition and further
improve our knowledge of this incomparable tenor from Modena.
Palazzo Venezia, via del Plebiscito, 118. Info 066780131; 06699941
Until 14 Dec: Giuseppe Modica. Roma e la città riflessa (Giuseppe Modica. Rome
and the city reflected)
One of the most interesting contemporary painters in Italy - Giuseppe Modica - has once
again chosen the capital as the place to present a series of works dedicated to the theme of
the city reflected. Reflection is what this artist's poetics is all about. For years he has had a
philosophical perspective, striving beyond objectivity and looking for the evocative core of the
matter. 40 never-before-seen works - dream-like Roman landscapes, views and monuments.
Tue-sun h8,30-19,30. Admission free
Braccio di Carlo Magno,
Città del Vaticano. Info 0668193064
Until 6 Jan 2009: Pio XII. L'uomo e il pontificato (1876-1958) (Pius XII. The man
and the papacy 1876-1958)
An exhibition that explores the figure and life of Eugenio Pacelli, better known to the world as
Pope Pius XII. The show is divided into nine different sections, dedicated to the intimate and
public phases of the pope's life: his childhood, his education, his family life and background,
his spiritual journey, his cultural grounding, his time as a priest and finally, his 19 years as
pope.
Palazzo delle Esposizioni,
via Nazionale, 194. Info 0639967500
Palazzo delle Esposizioni,
via Nazionale, 194. Info 0639967500
Until 6 Jan 2009: Etruschi. Le antiche metropoli del Lazio Etruscans. The ancient
metropolises of Lazio)
Mario Morelli and Anna Maria Moretti curated this exhibition dedicated to the Etruscan culture
and civilisation of Lazio, which left manifold traces in the urban fabric, rituals and traditions of
its main settlements: Veio, Cerveteri, Tarquinia and Vulci, all have a particular spirit and
character - Veio, for example, is a great ceramics centre; Cerveteri is famous for its
necropolis; Vulci is famous for its white stone; and Tarquinia boasts over 100 stupendous
frescoed tombs.
Until 6 Jan 2009: Bill Viola
"The Crossing", "The Veiling", "Silent Mountain" and "The Locked Garden" are just some of
the works we can admire in this exhibition dedicated to video art guru Bill Viola. His creations
are the fruit of a spiritual life that finds nourishment in Buddhism, Christianity, Sufism and
Mysticism and that explores the universal moments of human life - birth, death, nature.
Videotapes, video-installations, sound landscapes, video performances and electronic projects
lead us into a sensorial experience that immerses us in a world of pure sound and imagery.
Palazzo Venezia - Sala Regia, Sala delle Battaglie e Sala del Mappamondo. Via del
Plebiscito, 118. Info 0669994319
Until 11 Jan 2009: Basil Theocharakis - Pittura: 1952 - 2008 (Basil Theocharakis Painting: 1952 - 2008)
The first Italian retrospective dedicated to this poet of the sea, Greek artist Basil
Theocharakis. Divided into different sections, such as abstract works, paintings dedicated to
'Mount Athos', or depicting 'Clouds', 'Marshes', stupendous 'Landscapes', 'Marine landscapes'
and 'Built-up areas', this exhibition explores the themes that inhabit the artist's watercolours.
His pieces appear enchanted by the world around us and imbued with a desire to record it in
all its authentic essence, through great details, brushstrokes that are both thick and thin, and
the use of fresh and bright colours. Tue-sun h9-19. Admission free
Casa dei Teatri,
Villa Doria Pamphilj - Villino Corsini. Largo 3 giugno 1849, angolo via di San
Pancrazio - ingresso Arco dei Quattro Venti. Info 060608; 0645460693
Until 11 Jan 2009: Pupazzi con rabbia e sentimento. Una mostra di arte e di teatro
di Dario Fo e Franca Rame (Puppets of anger and sentiment. A show of art and
theatre by Dario Fo and Franca Rame)
"Grabbing hold of a canvas or a piece of cardboard, starting to draw, throwing down colours
and scratching a freshly painted board is the only way of resolving a complex or abstruse
scene or staging dilemma." So said theatrical supremo and creative powerhouse Dario Fo
before this exhibition was inaugurated. Franca Rame, Fo's wife, helped put together this
amazing collection of watercolours, tempera paintings, oils on canvas and etchings created by
the eclectic Lombard artist with major enthusiasm ever since childhood. By making "una
frappàta di belle figure (a smattering of beautiful figures)" as Fo said himself, or the puppets
of the exhibition's title, he started to take his first steps in the world of figurative art, slowly
developing a highly visual language that he considered to be the key to his creative
originality. Deepen your knowledge of an artist who speaks through the language of colour
through these 100 paintings, backdrops, stage costumes and wall hangings. Tue-sun h10-17.
Admission free
Musei di Villa Torlonia,
Casino dei Principi. Via Nomentana, 70. Info 060608
Until 11 Jan 2009: Scuola Romana. Artisti a Roma tra le due guerre (Roman
School. Artists in Rome between the two wars)
After periods spent at the museums and Italian cultural institutes of Tirana, Belgrade, Fiume
and Bucharest, this exhibition finally comes to Rome. This show examines the period between
the two wars, a period that was culturally very lively. About fifty works by the biggest names
in figurative art - such as Guttuso, Mafai and Scipione - and by some lesser-known artists such as Francalancia, Capogrossi and Cavalli (self-portrait) - are on display. The show is
divided into three sections. The first is dedicated to the artist and the creative process; the
second is centred on the perceptual subjectivity of places as seen by the individual artists;
the third examines the body and its physicality. Tue-sun h9-16,30. €9, reduced €5,50
Casa di Goethe,
via del Corso, 18. Info 0632650412
Until 18 Jan 2009: Italiani a Weimar. Disegni italiani dal XVI al XIX secolo dalle
collezioni della Klassik Stiftung Weimar (Italians in Weimar. Italian drawings from
the 16th to the 19th centuries from the Klassik Stiftung Weimar collections)
This exhibition shows works on loan from the Klassik Stiftung Weimar collection and includes
pieces by Giorgio Vasari, Perino del Vaga, the Cavalier d'Arpino, Annibale Carracci, Guercino,
Salvator Rosa, Bartolomeo Pinelli and Giovanni Volpato... For many of the paintings coming
back to Rome is particularly significant since it represents a return home: the Eternal City is,
in fact, the subject of many of these works, such as "The apotheosis of Romulus" by
Domenico Maria Canuti. Curator: Ursula Verena Fischer Pace. Tue-sun h10-18. €4, reduced
€3
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo,
Lungotevere di Castello, 50
Until 25 Jan 2009: Loghi d'Italia - storie dell'arte di eccellere (Loghi d'Italia - the
history of the art of excelling)
This exhibition tells the story of four major Italian firms - Amarelli, Peroni, Lagostina and
Perugina - and is an event that advertising aficionados will be loath to miss. "Loghi d'Italia"
uses photos and objects to tell the story of big Italian firms, the products they sell and the
people involved in making them who they are today. Special mention must go to the
documentaries by Antonioni and Bertolucci and pieces by artists such as Guttuso and Dalì.
Tue-sun h9-19. €8
Fondazione Memmo - Palazzo Ruspoli,
via del Corso, 418. Info 066874704
Until 1 Feb 2009: Jean-Michel Basquiat. Fantasmi da scacciare (Jean-Michel
Basquiat. Shadows that haunt)
The poet of graffiti art made his name in the carriages of New York's metro trains and later in
the hippest art galleries. The hard-living and fast-dying Basquiat ? who boasted collaborations
with the iconic Andy Warhol ? painted a dark and fragmented urban humanity and created
creatures impregnated by an atmosphere of social disintegration. His artistic language was
strong and pure, his perspective was philosophical, and his message was as withering as the
signature he invented (SAMO - Same old Shit) to sign off his work... Just like his many fans
and collectors around the world, you too will fall in love with the "shadows that haunt" the
works of this wild artist! Tue-thu h10-19,30; fri-sun h10-20,30. €10, reduced €8
Museo dell'Ara Pacis,
lungotevere in Augusta, info 060608
Until 22 Feb 2009: Bruno Munari
Ten years after his death, the city of Rome celebrates this great Milanese artist and designer
who affected the language of modernity deeply, through a series of initiatives, activities,
mini-exhibitions, workshops for children, and above all a rich display of his work. Sculptures
and graphic pieces will allow us to get to know this refined designer, who made
experimentation and intuition his distinctive traits. Tue-sun h11-19. €5
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo,
Lungotevere di Castello, 50
Until 22 Feb 2009: Artisti a Roma - Ritratti ed autoritratti, scultori ed architetti dal
Rinascimento al 700 (Artists in Rome - Portraits and self-portraits, sculptors and
architects from the Renaissance to the 18th century)
"Papi in posa", "La Porpora Romana" and "Il Principe Romano" are all shows dedicated to the
art of portraiture, as is "Artisti a Roma". This show examines the art of portaiture and selfportraiture and highlights the importance of the pose adopted by the sitter, their way of
thinking and their social status. Among the many works on display are the bronze bust of
Michelangelo by Giambologna, self-portraits by Bernini and Vanvitelli, and a heretofore
unseen portrait of the poet Metastasio by Martin van Meytens. Tue-sun h9-19
Musei di San Salvatore in Lauro, piazza Di San Salvatore In Lauro, 15. Info 066865493
Until 22 Feb 2009: Visioni del Grand Tour dall'Ermitage (1640-1880). Paesaggi e
gente d'Italia nelle collezioni russe - Visions of the Grand Tour from the Hermitage
(1640-1880). The landscapes and people of Italy in the Russian collections
Sergej Androsov, Vladimir Matveev and Lorenzo Zichichi are the curators of this show that
brings many works to Italy for the first time. A major thanks is owed to the Russian collectors
who gathered paintings and watercolours by Dutch, Italian and German artists for decades,
and made this show possible. The work of photographer Enrica Scalfari is also on show. She
shot the landscapes and places represented in the paintings from the Hermitage, offering
visitors the chance to see how the places in question have changed in the course of time.
Tue-sun h11-19. €5
MACRO - Museo Arte Contemporanea Roma,
via Reggio Emilia, 54. Info 06671070400
Until 28 Feb 2009: Ernesto Neto
The installation is dedicated to Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1964
and on show in an Italian museum for the first time ever. This fluctuating architectural
project, with its organic and floral forms, were especially conceived for the Macro Hall space.
The artist invites the public to walk through the work and interact with them. The installation
will use all the space of the Museum's Glass Gallery (galleria vetrata). Tue-sun h9-19. €1
Museo della Civiltà Romana,
piazza G. Agnelli, 10. Info 060608
Until 1 Mar 2009: Il divo è tratto. A passeggio con Gilles Chaillet, tra segni e
disegni, nella Roma dei Cesari (Il divo è tratto. Ambling around the Rome of the
Caesars in the company of Gilles Chaillet)
The Rome of the Caesars, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, the streets and
alleys of ancient Rome: you can try and conjure all this up in our heads, or... you can go see
it at the Museum of Roman Civilisation! These 20 wood tables by the master Gilles Chaillet laid out chronologically - show ancient Rome at its most enchanting. A series of interactive
stations are also available and allow visitors to travel back in time. Workshops will also be
held to accompany the exhibition. Tue-fri h9-14; sat and sun h9-19. €6,50, reduced €4,50
Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi,
piazza San Pantaleo, 1. Info 060608
Until 19 Apr 2009: Roma, la magnifica visione. Vedute panoramiche del XVIII e
XIX secolo dalle collezioni del Museo di Roma (Rome the magnificent. Panoramic
views of the city between the 18th and 19th centuries from the Museum of Rome
collection)
A selection of 35 works on loan from the Museum of Rome - water-colours, temperas and
paintings - show us how Rome looked to the eyes of travellers and artists: it was a city rich in
stupendous monuments, beautiful nature and landscapes. Villa Ludovisi, the Aventine and
Monte Mario are three of the places in Rome that come up most frequently in the paintings.
Some of the most famous works on show are views of Rome by Samuel Rawle, John Newbolt
and Ippolito Caffi. Curators: Patrizia Masini, Anna Aletta and Fabio Betti. Tue-sun h9-19
(closed: 25 Dec and 1 Jan 2009). €8, reduced €6
Jazz. Pop. Rock
Palalottomatica,
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piazzale dello Sport. Info 199128800
12 Dec: Zucchero
www
Auditorium Parco della Musica,
viale P. de Coubertin. Info evento 068082058
1 Dec: Giorgia. Spirito libero - viaggi di voce www
2 Dec: Remo Anzovino "Tabù"
5 Dec: Oscar Prudente "Benvenuto Fortunato"
7 Dec: Noa & Band "Genes & Jeans Tour"
9 Dec: Dianne Reeves "String Attached". Featuring Russel Malone, Romero
Lubambo
13 Dec: Fabrizio Bosso, Antonello Salis "Stunt"
From 19 Dec to 7 May 2009: M.I.T. Meet in Town. Greetings from contemporary
soundscapes
This latest edition of this festival of electronic and experimental sounds hosts the most
popular name on the current music scene. Moreover, from this year "Meet in Town" also
hosts live sets, street art and multi-media installations - all the best in underground cultural
trends.
19 Dec: Mira Calix live - Planningtorock live
From 20 to 31 Dec: Gospel Festival
This energetic gospel concert is one pre-Christmas event that you cannot afford to miss.
Artistic director Mario Ciampà has put together the 13th edition of this festival, which sees
some of the biggest American gospel groups come to Italy for the occasion.
21 Dec: Anthony Morgan's Inspirational Choir Of Harlem
22 Dec: Voices of Deliverance Choir
25 Dec: Earnest Pugh & The Assembly
26 Dec: Joshua Nelson & The Klezmatics in Kosher Gospel Music
28 Dec: Sjuwana Byers & Children Of God
30 Dec: Robin Brown and Triumphant Delegation
31 Dec: The Jackson Singers
From 6 Dec to 6 Jan 2009: Natale all'Auditorium
23 Dec: Irene Grandi & PMJO Parco della Musica Jazz Orchestra in "Canto di
Natale" www
27 and 29 Dec: Christmas in Jazz. Dee Dee Bridgewater meets PMJO Parco della
Musica Jazz Orchestra
Gran Teatro,
viale Tor di Quinto. Info spettacolo 0620382934
Until 6 Dec: Claudio Baglioni. Q.P.G.A. Questo Piccolo Grande Amore 2008 - il
concerto www
11 Dec: Cesare Cremonini www
Teatro Ambra Jovinelli,
via G. Pepe, 43-47. Info 0644340262
1° Dec: Tour 2008 Mario Venuti a teatro www
Auditorium della Conciliazione,
6 Dec: Gianluca Grignani
Casa del Jazz,
via della Conciliazione, 4
www
viale di Porta Ardeatina, 55. Info 06704731
3 Dec: Chris Potter's Underground
6 Dec: Amedeo Tommasi Trio
11 Dec: Norma Winstone Trio "Distances"
12 Dec: Vassilis Tsabropoulos/ Anja Lechner/ U.T. Gandhi "Melos"
13 Dec: "Dans les arbres"
19 Dec: Roberto Cecchetto Trio
22 Dec: Peter Brotzmann Trio
Big Mama,
vicolo S. Francesco a Ripa, 18. Info 065812551
The Place,
via Alberico II, 27-29. Info 0668307137
2 Dec: Sara Berni in "Chandra Devi"
3 Dec: Daniele Bazzani
4 Dec: Amy Coleman & Texaco Jive
5 Dec: Blue Stuff
6 and 13 Dec: Roberto Ciotti
7 Dec: Jon Gomm
10 Dec: Awa Ly
11 Dec: Jono Manson
12 Dec: Bianca Blues e i Sette Soul
16 Dec: Rino Gaetano Band
17 Dec: The Sessions Voices
19 Dec: Alan Soul & The Alanselzer in "Dedicato a Ray Charles..."
20 Dec: Più bestial che blues
21 Dec: MP Blues School of Music
From 26 to 28 Dec: Louisiana Red and The Blues Machine
29 Dec: Mississippi Mood
30 Dec: Vocintransito
31 Dec: Happy Blues New Year 2009 con Louisiana Red & The Blues Machine
2 Dec: Diane Schuur
4 Dec: Garage 63 Extended Version
5 and 12 Dec: Frankie & The Cantina Band
10 Dec: Caraserena
11 Dec: Jang Senato
13 Dec: Funk Off
Circolo degli Artisti,
via Casilina Vecchia, 42. Info 0670305684
1 Dec: Black Angels
3 Dec: Massimo Volume
5 Dec: Fujiya & Miyagi + Omogenic
8 Dec: Le luci della centrale elettrica
9 Dec: Marracash
10 Dec: Roberto Giglio
11 Dec: Kaos + Moddi + Dj Trix
12 Dec: Beatrice Antolini + Omogenic
13 Dec: Bugo
14 Dec: Babyshambles
19 Dec: Momo + Omogenic
20 Dec: Your Hero, Hopes Die Last, Electric Diorama, The Beauty
26 Dec: Omogenic
Stazione Birra,
via Placanica, 172. Info 0679845959
2 Dec: Light of Day benefit - special guest Edoardo Bennato
3 Dec: Chris Field
4 Dec: Walter Trout
5 Dec: Achtung Babies (U2 Tribute)
6 Dec: Adika Pongo
9 Dec: Pete Levin
11 Dec: Bob Brozman
12 Dec: Fears & Tears - Tears for Fears Tribute
13 Dec: El Menjunje - Santana Night
14 Dec: Soul Doctor + Markonee + The Guestz
Opera. Classical music. Ballet
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CONCERT SEASON 2008/09: Opera di Roma - Acc. di Santa Cecilia - Acc. Filarmonica
Romana - Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti - Roma Sinfonietta - Amici della Musica Sacra Tempietto - Orchestra di Roma e del Lazio - Fondazione Arts Academy
Teatro dell'Opera,
Il
piazza B. Gigli. Info 0648160255
From 6 to 14 Dec: Othello
An opera in four acts based on a libretto by Arrigo Boito and directed by Stephen Landgridge.
The famous characters of Othello, Desdemona and Iago are brought to life in this new
version brought to the stage by Aleksandrs Antonenko. Marina Poplavskaya (alternates in the
role with Maria Luigia Borsi) and Giovanni Meoni (alternating with Nicola Alaimo).
Concertmaster and director: Riccardo Muti. Choirmaster: Andrea Giorgi. Set design by George
Souglides and costumes by Emma Ryot. 6, 9 and 11 Dec h20,30; 13 Dec h18; 14 Dec h16,30
From 20 to 28 Dec: Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)
The music of this comic melodrama in two acts (originally entitled Almaviva, or the Useless
Precaution) is by Rossini and based on the libretto by Cesare Sterbini. The story of Almaviva,
Figaro and Rosina aroused whistling and booing at its premiere - held at the Teatro Argentina
in Rome - but these were almost immediately replaced by rounds of heartfelt applause that
are still heard at every performance today. Concert master, conductor and chief comic:
Gianluigi Gelmetti. Choirmaster: Gea Garatti Ansini. Stage design by Maurizio Varamo and
costumes by Anna Biagiotti. 20 Dec h20,30, 21 Dec h16,30, 23 Dec h20,30, 27 Dec h18 and
28 Dec h16,30
Teatro Nazionale,
via del Viminale. Info 06481601
From 20 to 30 Dec: Lo schiaccianoci (The nutcracker)
This classic ballet - which is particularly popular at Christmas - is taken from Hoffman's tale
"The nutcracker and the king of mice". The ballet's two acts are filled with famous and
graceful melodies such as "Trepak" and the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". Choreography
by Jean-Yves Lormeau based on Marius Petipa. Conductor: Andriy Yurkevych. Production by
Beppe Menegatti and Jean-Yves Lormeau. Sets and costumes by Luisa Spinatelli. 20 Dic
h20,30, 21 Dic h16,30, 23 Dic h18, 24 Dic h11, 27 Dic h18, 28 Dic h16,30, 30 Dic h20,30
Teatro Olimpico,
piazzale G. da Fabriano, 17. Info 063265991
Until 23 Apr 2009: Accademia Filarmonica Romana. Stagione 2008/09 (Accademia
Filarmonica Romana. 2008/09 Season)
The Accademia Filarmonica this season is all about classical and contemporary music, and a
series dedicated to Vivaldi and another one to 20th century music (that will take place in the
Teatro Argentina). www
3 Dec: Momboye Dance Company
11 Dec: Orchestra da Camera Italiana, Salvatore Accardo conductor
14 Dec: Steve Reich. Michael Torke. Carlo Boccadoro (Teatro Argentina)
18 Dec: The New Millenium Gospel Singers
Auditorium Parco della Musica,
viale P. de Coubertin. Info festival 068082058
1 and 2 Dec: Orchestra e Coro dell'Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Rafael Frühbeck de
Burgos
3 Dec: Gruppo Strumentale Musica d'Oggi e Ensemble Vocale Kammerton
5 Dec: Accademia Tedesca Roma Villa Massimo e Ensemble Modern
6, 8 and 9 Dec: Orchestra di Santa Cecilia, Donald Runnicles
11 Dec: Alessandro Sbordoni
From 13 to 16 Dec: Orchestra e Coro dell'Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Kent Nagano
19 Dec: Coro dell'Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Filippo Maria Bressan
From 20 to 22 Dec: Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Antonio
Pappano
From 29 Dec to 1 Jan 2009: Gala Viennese. Orchestra di Roma Sinfonietta, Karl
Martin. With Ennio Morricone (29 and 30)
Gran Teatro,
viale Tor di Quinto. Info spettacolo 0620382934
From 18 Dec to 11 Jan 2009: Notre Dame de Paris
www
The intense and emotional opera "Notre Dame de Paris" continues to bewitch audiences. Set
to music by Riccardo Cocciante, the libretto is by Luc Plamondon (and was translated by
Pasquale Panella). "Vivere per amare", "Balla mia Esmeralda" and "Il tempo delle cattedrali"
are just some of the great songs that make us fear for the fate of the Hunchback of Notre
Dame, a character first brought to life by Victor Hugo... The cast includes Sabrina De Siena,
Ilaria Andreini, Luca Maggiore, Leonardo Di Minno, Fabrizio Voghera and Francesco Antimiani.
With the participation of Lola Ponce and Gio' di Tonno. From €20 to €60
Teatro Argentina,
largo di Torre Argentina, 52. Info 064826296
Until 4 Jun 2009: Orchestra e Coro dei Virtuosi d'Opera di Roma
The world's most famous operas, duets, arias, quartets and romances are performed by the
Orchestra and Choir of the Virtuosi d'Opera di Roma and conducted by the illustrious Mario
Gagliani and Alessandro Melchiorre. Featuring solo violinist Corrado Stocchi - who divides his
time, equally successfully, between chamber and opera music - and a cast of performers that
includes Luisa Pizzi (soprano), Isabella Palermo (mezzo soprano), Giancarlo Pera (baritone),
Carmela Maffongelli (soprano) and many more. h21. From €25 to €40
4 Dec: "The four seasons" by Vivaldi. Solo violin: Corrado Stocchi
18 and 30 Dec: "Opera Gran Gala". With Luisa Pizzi (soprano), Isabella Palermo
(mezzo soprano), Daniele Penco (tenor), Giorgio Carli (baritone). Conductor:
Mario Gagliani
Auditorium della Conciliazione,
via della Conciliazione, 4
1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Dec: Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma
31 Dec: Gran Galà Strauss
Basilica di Sant'Agnese in Agone,
0621710027
via S. Maria dell'Anima, 30/a (piazza Navona). Info
Until 30 Dec: I Concerti della Sagrestia del Borromini (Concerts in the Borromini
Sacristy)
Vadim Brodsky, Felix Ayo, Lya de Barberiis are just some of the musicians that will take part
in the 2008 edition of this concert series. The sacristy's exceptional acoustics make this
concert series all the more enjoyable, as does the use of a prestigious Blüthner piano, winner
of the Brussels Grand Prix in 1910.
5 Dec: Luciano Tristaino and Alessandra Gentile
12 Dec: Igor Cognolato
19 Dec: Hlif Sigurjonsdottir and Sebastiano Brusco
26 Dec: Eureka Quartet - Christmas concert
30 Dec: Myung Jae Kho and Sabina Belei - End of year concert
Piccolo Lirico - Teatro Flaiano, via S. Stefano del Cacco, 15. Info 066796496
Until 30 May 2009: Tosca
Piccola Lirica's edition of "Tosca" is a novelty that breaks all boundaries of operatic traditions.
The Puccini classic is performed in a small theatre, with the main roles portrayed by emerging
artists. The music is performed by a diminutive orchestra. Ninety minutes of art, during which
melodrama and theatre meld within a set designed to take the viewer beyond the literal and
into the symbolic. h20. www
Oratorio del Gonfalone, via del Gonfalone, 31. Info 066875952
Until 21 May 2009: Oratorio del Gonfalone
This concert programme offers the best in baroque music in 20 extraordinary concerts.
Artistic director: Angelo Persichilli.
4 Dec: "Bass and Soprano in the Italian baroque". With Ludovica Scoppola
(recorders), Adriano Ancarani (cello), Andrea Damiani (tiorba and baroque guitar),
Cipriana Smarandescu (harpsichord)
18 Dec: Chominciamento di Gioia Ensemble: "Christmas concert"
Theatre
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THEATRE SEASON 2008/09: Theatres Ambra Jovinelli e Piccolo Jovinelli - Argentina Brancaccio - Dei Satiri - Della Cometa - Del Lido - Due - Eliseo e Piccolo Eliseo Patroni Griffi Furio Camillo - Ghione - Manzoni - Olimpico - Palladium - Parioli - Quirino - Sala Umberto Sistina - Valle - De' Servi - Vittoria - Gran Teatro - Teatro Salone Margherita - Dell'Orologio Bella Monaca - Biblioteca Quarticciolo
Palalottomatica,
piazzale dello Sport. Info 199128800
From 3 to 8 Dec: Il Magico Show Di Topolino (Mickey Mouse Magic Show)
Teatro Sistina,
Tor
www
via Sistina, 129. Info 064200711
Until 4 Jan 2009: Bianca Guaccero, Antonello Angiolillo e Michele Carfora in
"Poveri ma belli"
Teatro Brancaccio,
via Merulana, 244. Info 0698264500
From 4 Dec: High School Musical
Culture
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Teatro Palladium,
piazza B. Romano, 8. Info 0657067761
Auditorium della Conciliazione, via della Conciliazione, 4. Info 899500055
Auditorium Parco della Musica, viale P. de Coubertin. Info 0680241281
Teatro Olimpico, piazza G. da Fabriano, 17. Info 063265991
Brancaleone, via Levanna, 11. Info 0682000959
Officine Marconi, via B. Petroselli, 147
Opificio - Telecom, via dei Magazzini Generali, 20a. Info 0645553000
Until 10 Dec: Romaeuropa Festival 2008 www
The "Romaeuropa" festival is back for the 23rd year. As always it communicates with its large
and faithful audience (including a strong youth component) using the language of today and
of many countries around the world (Germany, India, Japan, United Kingdom, France,
Argentina, United States, Croatia, Israel, Czech Republic, to name but a few)... The festival's
DNA is about the promotion of dialogue - a necessary tool in helping bring about peace and
cooperation between different civilisations - and finely tuned antennae that pick up on the
latest contemporary art trends. On the programme this year there's an event dedicated to
'Sakuntala', Indian Sanskrit Theatre. Rediscovering the past and uncovering the new, the
Romaeuropa Festival is once again a not-to-be-missed event for the trend-forward arts
generation.
Auditorium Parco della Musica,
viale P. de Coubertin. Info 199109783
Until 16 May 2009: Contemporanea
For the third year in a row this multi-media and multi-cultural initiative offers an eclectic mix
of ethnic, folk and popular music, film screenings, US culture and the baroque.
"Contemporanea" comes about through the fluid and reciprocal collaboration with
universities, authorities, museum spaces and cultural associations and as a result of the
competent artistic direction of Oscar Pizzo and Guido Barbieri. €15
5 Dec: Aeolian Harps
15 Dec: Inferno
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Accademia di Francia - Villa Medici,
viale Trinità dei Monti, 1. Info 0667611
Until 16 Dec: Amare la letteratura (Loving literature)
"Writing begins with admiration," says Olivier Rolin, writer and director of the 'Amare la
letteratura' festival in Rome. "Every writer feels the presence of respected predecessors
within him. This doesn't necessarily mean that he is influenced by them, but that the febrile
intelligent state he felt while reading them encouraged him, one day, to throw himself into
writing. Asking contemporary authors to choose and comment on texts they love is a bit the
same as asking them why, and thanks to whom, they write." The series is held at Villa Medici
and sees French writers, artists and intellectuals read the work of great novelists and poets.
All readings are in French with Italian subtitles
Centre Culturel Saint Louis de France,
Largo Toniolo, 20-22. Info 066802629
Until 10 Dec: Sinfonia di films (Symphony of films)
"Les demoiselles de Rochefort", featuring a performance by the divine Catherine Deneuve, is
the inaugural film of a festival that has music as its centre... One of the highlights of this very
rich programme of cinematic events is the meeting with film director Patrice Leconte in which
he will tells all about his latest oeuvre, 'Mon meilleur ami'. The screenings are subtitled in
Italian and French. Admission free
Sport
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Stadio Olimpico, viale del Foro Italico
Until 31 May 2009: Campionato di calcio 2008/09. La sfida Lazio - Roma (2008/09
football championships. The Roma-Lazio challenge)
With the first division 2007/08 championships great football makes its comeback! Football
supporters from the capital (and beyond) will inflame the Olimpico stadium. So don your
yellow and red or blue and white colours and join in? Exciting football awaits you! In
December, in Rome: : sat 6 Lazio - Inter; sun 14 Roma - Cagliari; sat 20 Lazio - Palermo. The
complete calendar
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Palalottomatica,
piazzale dello Sport. Info 06540901
Until 10 May 2009: Campionato di basket (Basketball championships)
The Palalottomatica venue in Rome will light up with the fervour of great basketball, one of
the most popular sports on the Italian peninsula. The Italian teams, and in particular Rome's
Virtus Roma team, will be contending for the Top Division Tim Trophy. The basketball meets
of the 2008/09 season will provide an unforgettable sporting experience. In December
Lottomatica Roma will compete against Benetton Treviso (sun 14) e Premiata Montegranaro
(sun 28). The complete calendar
Palazzetto dello Sport, piazza Apollodoro, 10. 0699704399
Until 11 Apr 2009: Campionato Pallavolo Serie A2 Tim
Physical strength and intelligence characterise the champions of the volleyball scene. Simone
Spescha, Ivan Zaytsev, Paolo Tofoli, Luca Lo Re, e poi Matteo Tabanelli, Matteo Segnalini,
Giulio Morelli, Giacomo Giretto, e ancora Alberto Elia, Riccardo Spairani, Federico Campanini,
Lorenzo Rossi e Lucio Antonio Oro make up the Volley Roma team under the guidance of
principal trainer Ermanno Piacentini and support trainer Mauro Budani. The perfect synthesis
of team spirit and technical ability, the public can look forward to some memorable volleyball
matches.
Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi,
Campagnano di Roma. Info 069042949
6 and 7 Dec: AUTOMOBILE competition: Promogest: 10th Vallelunga Rally
Off the beaten track
Città del Vaticano,
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piazza San Pietro. Info 0669885863
24 and 25 Dec: Riti religiosi in piazza San Pietro (Religious rites in St Peter's
Square)
The religious rites officiated by Pope Ratzinger in St Peter's Square, the heart of Christianity,
are a particularly intense experiences for visitors. To take part a telephone booking is
necessary. Call the Vatican Prefect's Office (telephone number above). Only individual
bookings are possible.
Varoius venues, città di Roma. Info 060606
From 31 Dec to 1 Jan 2009: New Year in the Eternal City
Rome pulls out all stops to see in 2008 with a varied series of events: on New Year's Eve
Piazza del Popolo and the main squares of the city will be the venues of parties, pyrotechnic
shows and concerts. Piaza del Quirinale, on the other hand, will host the traditional musical
performance by the Teatro dell'Opera in the presence of the President of the Republic. The
first day of 2008 will be enlivened by games and shows by street artists in Piazza del Popolo,
and choral and music concerts in the main churches of the city. Programme to be confirmed
Auditorium Parco della Musica,
viale P. de Coubertin. Info 0680241281
From 6 Dec to 8 Feb 2009: Natale all'Auditorium (Christmas at the Auditorium)
A snowfall of events, initiatives, music, concerts, food, workshops and performances... Let's
find out, in detail, the myriad events the Auditorium is putting on at this time of year to help
us all celebrate Christmas. The outdoor amphitheatre - the Cavea - is transformed, as every
year, into the popular ice-skating rink, "Sottozero", while the pedestrianised area will
become a Christmas village with massive Christmas trees, Santa Claus in his little hut, games
and pastimes for the young ones, a merry-go-round with ponies, lots of entertainment and
"The Gameland" World Console Championship 2008, an enthralling video-game
tournament. And now... let's talk about what's happening in terms of music! "La
ChiaraStella" sees the Orchestra Popolare Italiana perform Christmas songs (from the
North East of Italy, Istria and Dalmatia) under the direction of Ambrogio Sparagna. Ron,
Peppe Servillo and Javier Girotto take part in this mini-series of concerts. What else is on
at the auditorium this Christmas? The Gospel Festival, the Viennese Gala, the musical
fable of Hansel and Gretel (for the kids)... and a lot more besides. Christmas-themed
entertainment aplenty.
Valle della Caffarella, largo P. Tacchi Venturi. Info 065135316
Casale dell'Ex-Mulino, via della Caffarella, 23
Appia Antica, X-XI miglio
Until 28 Dec: Le visite guidate al Parco dell'Appia Antica (Guided tours of the
Appia Antica Park)
Over 50 events explore the 3,500 hectares of green that is the wonderful Parco dell'Appia
Antica. This programme of tours (led on foot and by bike) allows visitors to find out more
about the oak tree forests, archaeological finds and sites, mushroom beds, vineyards,
unspoiled Roman countryside, animals and monuments that populate this area. Bikes can be
rented at the various info points, including Via Appia Antica 58-60 and Largo Tacchi Venturi
www
7 Dec: Latin Tombs; the Church of Sant'Urbano
14 Dec: The Appian Way explained to children 2; The geodesic foundations of the
Ancient Appian Way; Humid areas that require protection; The House of Servillo
28 Dec: The Columbarium of Polonio Hylas
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Appuntamento per la partenza, piazza di Porta Maggiore. Info 3396334700
5 Dec: TRAMjazz
A period tram dating from 1947 has been restored and magically transformed into a mobile
restaurant that travels through the most atmospheric parts of the Eternal City, from Porta
Maggiore to the Celio park, from the Colosseum to the Imperial Fora and up to the Cestia
Pyramid. Once aboard the vehicle visitors can survey the beauty of the city while enjoying
performances by the best contemporary jazz talents: clarinettists Bill Smith and Paolo
Ravaglia, double-bass player Marco Loddo and percussionist Giampaolo Ascolese. Taste buds
are also satisfied since TRAMjazz offers exquisite regional specialties and the best
unpasteurised beers and wines from Lazio. h21. €55 + €5 advance sales. www
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, piazza San Giovanni in Laterano
Until 6 Dec: Visite agli scavi sotto il Battistero Lateranense (Guided tours under
the Lateran Baptistery)
A tour of the archaeological area under the Basilica of St John Lateran is held every first
Saturday of the month, in particular the remains of an ancient frescoed house and the Castra
of the Equites Singulares, that is to say the barracks where the emperor's horseback
bodyguards resided. The tour also includes a visit of an imperial baths complex under the
Lateran Baptistery. Groups are made up of maximum 30 people and each tour lasts 90
minutes. h11,30. €12, advance boooking requested
Various venues, città di Roma. Info e prenotazioni visite guidate 066868260
Until Feb 2009: 500 Via Giulia 1508 - 2008
A series of events will celebrate the 500-year anniversary of Via Giulia in Rome. These include
conferences on history, art, social mores and the fraternal orders prevalent at the time;
classical music concerts; exhibitions dedicated to painting and sacred art; processions;
theatre and light shows. Especially worthy of mention are the guided tours designed to
explore the beauty of sites and monuments such as Piazza dell'Oro, the Church of Santa
Maria dei Senesi, the Church of Sant'Eligio degli Orefici, Palazzo Sacchetti and the Church of
Santo Spirito dei Napoletani. €5 for guided tours www
Musei in Comune,
città di Roma. Info 0667105164
Musei per tutti (Museums for everyone)
This project is aimed at making museums and exhibition spaces accessible to old and
disabled people. "Musei per tutti" offers free entrance for old and disabled people on
Wednesdays and provides transport in mini-buses where necessary. Guides are on hand to
take the visitors around. Admission free, booking required - Musei Capitolini; Centrale
Montemartini; Mercati di Traiano; Museo dei Fori Imperiali; Museo dell'Ara Pacis; Museo di
Roma Palazzo Braschi; Museo Napoleonico; Museo Carlo Bilotti; Museo di Roma in
Trastevere; Musei di Villa Torlonia; Museo Civico di Zoologia
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EXHIBITIONS
Scuderie del Quirinale,
via XXIV Maggio. Info 0639967500
From 20 Feb to 29 May 2009: Futurismo
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MUSIC
Auditorium Parco della Musica,
viale P. de Coubertin. Info 0680241281
3 Jan 2009: Sergio Cammariere ( www ) , Fabrizio Bosso www
From 3 to 5 Jan 2009: Orchestra Popolare Italiana, Ambrogio Sparagna in "La
ChiaraStella". I canti di Natale nella tradizione popolare
7 Jan 2009: Paolo Fresu www
22 Jan 2009: Paola Turci ( www ) , Giorgio Rossi
1 Feb 2009: Enrico Rava Us Quintet www
From 6 to 24 Feb 2009: Equilibrio
28 Feb 2009: Kocani Orkestar
17 Mar 2009: Ambrogio Sparagna
22 Mar 2009: Wayne Shorter Quartet
10 May 2009: Jackson Browne
Palalottomatica,
piazzale dello Sport. Info 199128800
23 Jan 2009: Francesco Guccini
20 Feb 2009: Oasis www
24 Jun 2009: Metallica www
Teatro Sistina,
www
via Sistina, 129. Info 064200711
From 6 to 9 Apr 2009: Vinicio Capossela
www
Stadio Olimpico, piazzale dello Stadio Olimpico
16 Jun 2009: Depeche Mode
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SPORT
Stadio Flaminio, piazzale dello Stadio Flaminio
From 15 Feb to 21 Mar 2009: Rugby Sei Nazioni (6 Nations Rugby Tournament)
www
Appuntamento per la partenza, via dei Fori Imperiali (Colosseo). Info 064065064
22 Mar 2009: Maratona di Roma (The Rome Marathon)
www
Complesso del Foro Italico, viale del Foro Italico
From 18 Jul to 2 Aug 2009: 13th FINA World Championship. Roma '09
Handy tips
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