Beyond the idyllic landscapes and artistic cities for which it’s so beloved, Tuscany is one of the most musical regions in the world. Florence’s Teatro della Pergola dates from 1656 and is among the oldest opera houses in Italy; Lucca, meanwhile, is the hometown of Giacomo Puccini, one of the most famous composers of all time. But contemporary music, too, shines in Tuscany, often in the form of vibrant piano bars and music venues where once-little-known stars have test-run their hits over the years.
One of those former unknowns is Andrea Bocelli, the internationally recognized tenor who hails from Lajatico, a Tuscan hill town in the province of Pisa. Best known for pop-classical crossover albums, Bocelli has sold some 90 million records worldwide. Next week, he’ll be back in his humble hometown for a series of concerts to celebrate 30 years since his breakout moment at the 44th Sanremo Music Festival.
But once upon a time, Bocelli was cutting his teeth on the piano bar circuit in and around his Tuscan hometown. He sang a variety of genres during his early days as an unknown Piano Man, frequently taking audience requests. While studying law at the University of Pisa, Bocelli used his piano bar tips to pay for voice lessons with Franco Corelli, an Italian tenor who also found worldwide fame.
Today, though you might not find Bocelli himself at the piano, you could catch the region’s rising stars at one of the very same Tuscan piano bars and dreamy venues where the tenor once honed his skills.
Follow Bocelli’s 30-year career trail
Before Bocelli hit it big, he played at the La Rocca castle in Castelfalfi, a tiny hamlet of Montaione in the Florence province, throughout the late ‘80s. Today, La Rocca is the romantic site of the main restaurant on what’s now the idyllic Castelfalfi resort; a grand piano still enlivens the evenings, and the tenor himself is known to pop in when in the area.
Other venues that witnessed Bocelli’s first steps in the music world are La Capannina in Forte dei Marmi, a historic nightclub that opened in 1929 and has hosted countless Italian and international artists, including Gino Paoli, Ray Charles and Mina; and La Bussola in Focette, which since 1955 has served beachside cocktails with “background music” performed by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones and Fabrizio De André.
But the best-known venue associated with Bocelli is probably Teatro del Silenzio, an outdoor amphitheater in his hometown, built in 2006, and the venue for his 30-year celebration next week. Bocelli, the honorary president of the theater, performs an annual concert there every July alongside a roster of international artists. Then, the natural, open-air theater falls silent for the rest of the year, hence its evocative name. So what does a music lover do when Bocelli’s not in town? They head to Un cri cri nel silenzio, Lajatico’s liveliest wine bar and enoteca, which hosts intimate concerts and other musical events throughout the year.
Follow the wider piano path in Tuscany
If a flight to Tuscany for this year’s opening of Teatro del Silenzio isn’t on your immediate radar (or a Bocelli-themed tour of venues just isn’t your bag), the wider region has several piano bars where you can enjoy live music, cocktails and local cuisine. You might even unwittingly spot the region’s next crossover superstar. Flag these for your next trip.
- In Florence, Da Burde is an offbeat, historical trattoria with rustic food, a sophisticated wine list, and a piano at its heart. You might even find owner Andrea Gori, a renowned sommelier, playing a few hits for guests.
- In the summer months, La Terrazza Rooftop Bar pairs stunning vistas of the city and the river Arno with handcrafted cocktails to the tune of jazz, blues and soul played by the resident pianist.
- Joshua Tree Pub is another Florence favorite thanks to its fine beer selection, always-lively crowd, and piano, where anyone can play and sing along.
- Music Street - Sale Prova in Vicopisano hosts small concerts in various genres, from rock to jazz to blues. Instruments and music equipment are also available for rent if you're looking to play a few gigs while in Italy.
- Situated on the grounds of a 10th-century castle in Poggibonsi, Cantine di Badia Recording Studio is a professional recording studio open to the general public (by reservation) that also organizes wine tastings and musical performances.
- On the banks of the Arno River in Pisa, Argini e Margini is a popular bar and restaurant that hosts live music under the stars in the summer months.
- Cozy, elegant Garibaldi 11 is a speakeasy-style piano bar in the medieval town of Certaldo.
