Genius Loci, the cultural festival back in Santa Croce

From September 26 to 28, the rediscovery of an extraordinary place with exceptional protagonists and original performances

The seventh edition of Genius Loci: Discovering Santa Croce returns to Florence Sept. 26-28 in one of the most fascinating places in the world for spirituality, art and memory, the Basilica of Santa Croce, which for the occasion is the scene of a contemporary dialogue on the highly topical theme of the relationship between man and nature. An event spanning two nights and a sunrise, through concerts, meetings and performances that uniquely explore the identity of the striking monumental complex.

Among the most anticipated moments: a performance in front of Taddeo Gaddi's frescoes starring writer Donatella Di Pietrantonio, winner of the Strega Prize and Premio Strega Giovani 2024; a dawn concert by Barcelona's jazz revelation, Andrea Motis; a dialogue between the spirituality of writer and documentary filmmaker Folco Terzani and the science of chemist and naturalist Sarah Savioli; the sounds of London-based nu jazz by Ruth Goller, which will resonate among the 15th-century arches; a panel discussion on the forms of the divine with art historian Michele Dantini, presenter and author Giovanna Zucconi and philosopher Sergio Givone; a performance of the famous play Lu Santo Jullare Francesco, by the Fo/Rame duo, performed by Mario Piovano in the heart of the Franciscan complex; and a tribute to the British prog scene with John Greaves, performed in the shadows of the cloister.

The program, which winds its way through the Cenacle, the Pazzi Chapel and the Second Cloister, offers a rich calendar of events, with artists, intellectuals, writers and musicians guiding the public on an unprecedented journey in search of a unique synthesis of spirituality and beauty.

GENIUS LOCI PROGRAM 2024

Thursday, September 26

CENACOLO
19:50
Talk: “The Forms of the Divine”
with Michele Dantini, Giovanna Zucconi and Sergio Givone
moderated by Raffaele Palumbo
readings by Gianluigi Tosto

21:00
Performance: “W the Escape”
Marco Pastonesi: lyrics, short stories
Alessandro D'Alessandro: accordion, electronics

22:15
Performance: “Lu Santo Jullare Francesco”
by Dario Fo and Franca Rame
with Mario Pirovano

SECONDO CHIOSTRO
20:15
Live: “Ruth Goller / Skylla” (UK / Ita)
Ruth Goller: electric bass and vocals
Lauren Kinsella: vocals
Alice Grant: vocals
Emanuele Maniscalco: drums

21:30
Live: “John Greaves Band plays Robert Wyatt, King Crimson, Henry Cow & more” (GB / Fra / Ita)
John Greaves: piano, bass, vocals
Mel Collins: saxophone, flute
Jakko Jakszyk: guitar, vocals
Annie Whitehead: trombone
Annie Barbazza: vocals, piano, guitar
Règïs Boulard: drums

CAPPELLA PAZZI
21:15 + 23.15
Live: “Sliders”
Filippo Vignato: trombone, compositions
Federico Pierantoni: trombone, compositions
Lorenzo Manfredini: trombone, compositions

Friday, September 27

CENACOLO

19:50
Talk: “Barefoot on Earth”
with Folco Terzani, Sarah Savioli
moderated by Raffaele Palumbo
readings by Giulia Cavallini
live music by Ettore Bonafè

21:00
Talk/performance: “The Fragile Age”
Donatella Di Pietrantonio talks with Raffaele Palumbo
readings curated by Federica Miniati
live music by Meissa Duo (Alda Dalle Lucche Alto Saxophone, Giulia Fidenti Baritone Saxophone)

22:15
Live: “Kalifa Kone, Jabel Kanuteh, Marco Zanotti Trio” (Mali / Gambia / Italy)
Kalifa Kone: ngoni, djembe, balafon, talking drum, flutes
Jabel Kanuteh: kora, vocals
Marco Zanotti: drums, mbira, percussion, v

SECONDO CHIOSTRO

20:15
Live: “The Bass Gang”
Antonio Sciancalepore: double bass
Andrea Pighi: double bass
Alberto Bocini: double bass
Amerigo Bernardi: double bass

21:30
Live: “Maurizio Geri Swingtet feat. Nico Gori”
Maurizio Geri: guitar and vocals
Pippi Dimonte: double bass
Giacomo Tosti: accordion
Special guest Nico Gori: clarinet

CAPPELLA PAZZI
19:45 + 21:20 + 22:30
Live: “Naom”
Nazareno Caputo: vibraphone, marimba, percussion
Omar Cecchi: drums, konnakkol, percussion

Saturday, September 28

SECONDO CHIOSTRO
06:00
Live: "Andrea Motis" (ES)
Andrea Motis, trumpet, vocals
Josep

Free admission with reservations required at www.santacroceopera.it
Reservations open:
from Wednesday, September 11 at 3 p.m. for the evening of 26/09
from Thursday, September 12 at 3 p.m. for the evening of 27/09
from Friday, September 13 at 10 a.m. for the dawn concert on 28/0