The Exceptional Classical Music Venues of Venice

Venice is well known worldwide for its canals and iconic landmarks, a city steeped in history and beauty. Trips to St. Mark’s Basilica and a gondola ride will be staple parts of the itineraries of the many tourists who visit the city each year, and first on the agenda as they step out of their taxi from Venice airport to Venice centre, eager to start exploring.

Just as rich and engaging however is the city’s musical heritage, a tradition that it is greatly and justly proud of. As you wonder the city, you will find no shortage of venues that pay fitting tribute to this deep connection to classical music, a connection engrained by it being the birthplace of none other than the famous Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. You may even be serenaded by some of his work on the radio as you travel in from Venice airport to Venice!

One of the greatest aspects of the Venetian musical tradition is the spontaneity and regularity with which it expresses itself. Take a stroll to St Mark’s square and you will be able to witness a tremendous display of competing orchestras plying their trade in open air. On the way, listen for the notes of Vivaldi issuing out from one of the city’s many churches, theatres or Grande Scuole. For a full immersion, take advantage of one of Venice’s fantastic and varied music venues, whether it be an eighteenth-century church or theatre converted from a 1920s cinema. Here we lay out some of the best.

Teatro La Fenice

Translated as ‘Theatre of the Phoenix’, the Teatro La Fenice is one of Venice’s most spectacular sights. True to its name, the theatre has in fact burnt down twice since its opening in 1792. Following the most recent of these events in 1996, the theatre reopened in 2004 true to all its original nineteenth-century splendour, while also complete with modern staging and sound equipment. The venue at which Verdi premiered Rigoletto and La Traviata, where Rossini and Bellini staged operas and where Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Britten were inspired to compose work, the Teatro La Fenice is absolutely not to be missed.

Teatro San Gallo 

For something more eclectic, head over to Teatro San Gallo where you will find a pleasant range of music past and present. The venue has a long history, having originated as a twelfth-century hydro-thermal spa before being repurposed in the 1920s as a cinema and then subsequently into the musical haven that it is today.

San Vidal 

For a truly Venetian experience, don’t miss San Vidal, an eighteenth-century church that plays host to both skilled musicians and stunning imagery. Immerse yourself in a recital while bearing witness to St. Vitalis riding a bronze San Marco horse in the spectacular Carpaccio painting that sits above the church altar.

Don’t Forget to Come Back for More 

Venice is a city of endless intrigue; whether it be for more music or another cultural escapade, the city is always worth another visit. So engrained will the sounds be that when you come back and are en-route from Venice airport to Venice centre, you’ll no doubt find yourself humming some Vivaldi in the taxi.