Folìas de Carnaval

A journey back in time: an afternoon dedicated to Baroque dances set to the music that enlivened the European courts of the 17th century, performed live for the occasion. Palazzo Medici Riccardi will dress for celebration with Folías de Carnaval, an immersive experience offered to visitors on Saturday 21 February. The Metropolitan City of Florence and Fondazione MUS.E – in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes – open the palace doors to the dancers of the historical dance company Armonia Danza, accompanied by Irina Gruia, Musical Director & Ensemble, who from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm will magically transport spectators among the masked balls of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Amid the mirrors of the magnificent Sala Luca Giordano, the company’s dancers will perform historical Renaissance and Baroque choreographies. In this elegant, intimate and festive atmosphere, the music of Vivaldi, Lully and Falconeri will envelop participants and mark the steps of the masked dancers who, accompanied by a master of ceremonies and a string quartet, will guide guests through this theatrical performance.

The performance will take place on Saturday 21 February from 4:00 pm to approximately 6:00 pm and is included in the admission ticket.

Rehearsals, always visible to museum visitors, will take place on Friday afternoon (approx. 3:00–7:00 pm) and Saturday morning (approx. 9:00 am–3:00 pm).

Direction: Sofia Grande. Choreography: Marco Bendoni. Dancers: Marco Bendoni, Sherezade Soriano, Eva Narejos, Sara Benítez and Rubén Fernández Dávila. Actor: Roberto Andrioli. Musical Director: Irina Gruia. Production: Victoria Padrón.

Musicians: Daria Nechaeva (violin), Giulia Gallone (viola), Iuliia Igoshkina (cello), Sergio Odori (percussion).