This fall, the Rhode Island Philharmonic will travel to Florence, Italy, to play at the historic Basilica of Santa Croce. It marks the first time that the orchestra will perform internationally, according to event organizers, and for a special reason. From November 1 through 8, Florence will remember the historic 1966 flood of the Arno, which killed 35 people and damaged or destroyed millions of artistic masterpieces and books.
And 70 years ago, when the United States - and Rhode Island - came together to help provide aid to Italians in need, it blossomed into a formal relationship between Providence and Florence in particular. The Italian city will celebrate the more than 25-year “Friendship Pact” between Providence and Florence through music, cultural exchange, and conversations about future collaboration during the weeklong event.
