Music & Museums: Rome’s Cultural Landmarks Resonate with Sound This December
Table of Contents
A groundbreaking series of concerts, Music&Museums, will transform Rome’s iconic cultural spaces – the Mario Praz House Museum, Castel sant’Angelo, and the Pantheon – from December 7th to 17th, 2025, offering audiences a uniquely immersive experience. The event, presented by the Directorate of National Museums of the City of Rome, aims to redefine the museum visit by integrating live musical performances into the ancient fabric of these landmarks.
A New Trajectory for Cultural Engagement
directed ad interim by Luca Mercuri and curated by Anna
Praz House Museum
The series launches on Sunday, December 7th, at 5:30 PM within the intimate setting of the Mario praz House Museum. The inaugural concert, “The Invisible and Madness,” will feature the captivating collaboration of Valeria Sturba (voice, violin, theremin) and Giuseppe Franchellucci (voice, cello). This performance is described as a “dialog between ropes and waves, between past and future,” weaving together centuries of musical tradition.
Sturba, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, blends electronic effects with traditional instruments, drawing inspiration from genres ranging from songwriting to jazz. Franchellucci, a cellist with a background in contemporary and experimental music, has performed at prestigious events like “Nuova Consonanza” in Rome and “900 edoltre” in Modena. Together, they promise a concert that is both innovative and deeply resonant, exploring the very “matter of sound” through frequencies and gestures.
Afro-Cuban Rhythms Echo Through Castel Sant’Angelo
On Monday, December 8th, at 5:30 PM, Music&Museums moves to the historic Castel Sant’Angelo with a performance by Omar Sosa & Gustavo Ovalles, presenting their project “And they.” The performance draws inspiration from Santeria, a religious practice originating in West African Yoruba culture and flourishing in Cuba.
Sosa, a seven-time Grammy nominee, is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend jazz, world music, and electronic elements with his Afro-Cuban heritage. He will be joined by Venezuelan percussionist Gustavo ovalles, whose mastery of instruments like Bata drums, congas, and maracas promises a vibrant and multifaceted sonic experience. The duo’s artistic partnership, established in 1999, culminated in the acclaimed 2003 album “And they,” recorded during a performance in Yokohama, Japan.
A Christmas Festivity at the Pantheon
The culmination of Music&Museums will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, at 5:30 PM within the awe-inspiring Pantheon – Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres.Il La Fenice Choir and the Roman Vocal Academy Choir,accompanied by the Orchestra of the Hundred Cities and soloists Loretta venditti (soprano) and Gabriella Aleo (mezzo-soprano),will present “Light and Glory,” a Christmas concert.
directed by M. Lorenzo Macrì,the performance will center around Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria RV 589,a beloved masterpiece of sacred music. the program will also feature works by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Johann Sebastian bach, creating a spiritually uplifting experience for attendees. The concert will involve 100 choristers, two soloists, and 32 musicians, promising a grand and immersive celebration of the Christmas season.
Planning Your Visit
Entry to all Music&Museums concerts is included with the cost of a museum ticket, subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased through the www.museiitaliani.it portal or via the “Italian Museums” App. Further information is available at direzionemuseiroma.cultura.gov.it. The Directorate of National Museums of the City of Rome encourages visitors to explore these unique cultural experiences.
