Any other ideas/suggestions? Thnks in advance.

I'm a little suprised by some of the comments in this thread. Opera is frequently performed outdoors in the summertime, all over Italy.

BarbSG.

If I'm not mistaken, Aida and the Barber of Seville are being performed in the Boboli Gardens in Firenze through July.

http://selectitaly.com/theater.php?product_id=33

http://www.davidhotel.it/events_in_f...3en20148en.htm

BarbSG,

The other place you might check out is Montevarchi, which isn't very far from Radda. I know they do music festivals there, but whether opera is always part of the mix or fits your dates, I don't know.

http://www.festivalopera.it/incms/op...2&pagename=371

It looks like the Barber of Seville will be in Montevarchi near Arezzo, but not during your dates

http://www.comune.montevarchi.ar.it/...%7C6&news=2041

I gave the link to Opera Festival to BarbSG in my second post.

She wants something "more informal, outside in a piazza."

Yes, there are many outdoor opera performances in Italy. But opera, by definition, has to be staged. It doesn't just happen, "outside in a piazza."

Thank you so much zeppole. That is a great website. I have some idea of what we will do now.

I'll be in Florence and the Tuscany area September 22 - October 5, 2009. I'm also taking a short trip over to Pisa and the coast. Does anyone know of any opera opportunities in Tuscany during that time? It seems like nothing is posted for the 2009-2010 season yet at the customary sites. Thanks!

Dana

http://www.maggiofiorentino.com/?q=node/792

and if you'd be willing to travel to Parma

http://www.teatroregioparma.org/

and for general reference

http://www.italiantouristboard.co.uk/it/ind/i25.html