Puccini Concerts in Lucca's Church of San Giovanni

Hearing a Puccini concert in Lucca means listening to his work in the city that was his home. The hour-long program is held in the Church of San Giovanni, once a Templar church, known for its good acoustics. Under it lies a Roman spa that can be visited. The concert suits everyone from first-timers to opera experts.

Two professional singers, usually a soprano and a tenor, perform with a pianist. The festival offers different performers and a different program every evening, and the same concert is given only once in 365 days. The theme changes with the day of the week:

• Puccini and Mozart, arias, duets and intermezzos from both composers
• Puccini's Women, built around his female characters
• Italian Opera Gala, with Puccini, Verdi, Mascagni, Rossini and others
• Puccini and Verdi
• Puccini Opera Gala, arias and duets
• A Night at the Opera, from Handel to Puccini
• Puccini and Neapolitan songs, from his own era

Between December and April the concerts move to the Oratorio di San Giuseppe at the Cathedral Museum, 100 metres away, and in winter they are held on fewer days of the week. Photos and video are fine if you do not disturb anyone and do not use flash. There is no dress code, and seats at the back are kept for children and dogs.