France in Italy: 80+ events across 30 cities in 6 months

The second edition of La Francia in Scena, organized by the Institut français Italia, launched with a tour by pianist and composer Christophe Chassol, considered a new star of French music. The festival opened at Fabbrica Europa in Florence and will run through November across 30 Italian cities, including the major islands. The program features over 80 performances, 3 contemporary art exhibitions, 10 meetings between Italian and French conservatories, and architecture events tied to the French pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Special events mark Mantua as Italian Capital of Culture 2016 and the 60th anniversary of the Rome-Paris twinning, with a performance by Brigitte and Carmen Consoli on June 21 for the Fête de la Musique. In total, 150 dates—almost all Italian premieres—are scheduled. Collaborations include Milano Musica, AngelicA Festival in Bologna, Spring Attitude (bringing AIR to Rome in late May), Outdoor street art festival (Rome, October), and Robot Festival (Bologna, October) with synthetic images by French duo 1024 Architecture. Dance programming features Pierre Rigal at Romaeuropa Festival (October-November). A solo exhibition of Camille Henrot opens at Fondazione Memmo in Rome. A dedicated children's program includes five French companies at Festival Segni d'Infanzia in Mantua. The season emphasizes multidisciplinary, hybrid aesthetics and support for emerging artists.