60 Anni Dopo

The Lions Club Filippo Neri, organizer of the “60 Years Later” event, in collaboration with the Opera Santa Maria Novella, presents a benefit event in support of the Italian Red Cross and the ANT Italia ETS Foundation.

**Commemorative concert marking the 60th anniversary of the 1966 flood**
**Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 by L. van Beethoven**

**November 4, 2026, at 8:30 p.m.**
**Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – Florence**

Sixty years have passed since that tragic event that changed the lives of all Florentines. On November 4, 1966—originally intended for celebrations marking the anniversary of the victory in the First World War—the day became instead a sorrowful reminder of when the Arno burst its banks, depriving many Florentines of their homes, possessions, and the treasures of their city, while causing a great many casualties.

These tragic moments were eased by the courage of the many people who went down in history as the “Mud Angels,” arriving from all over the world to help Florence save what could be salvaged of its artistic heritage.

Following in the footsteps of the event held ten years ago, this year’s November 4 event will be dedicated to them. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Op. 125, will be performed by the “Florence Symphonietta” Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Grazia Rossi, with Rosalba Aurora Donato, soprano; Jieun Jeon, contralto; Mario Greco, tenor; Davide Sodini, bass; and the Harmonia Cantata Choir, the Santa Cecilia Choir of Borgo San Lorenzo, and the Quadriclavio Choir of Bologna.

**The Ode to Joy:** the great musical message of brotherhood and peace, set to a text by the poet Friedrich von Schiller.

> “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.”
> — Ludwig van Beethoven

An evening not to be missed: an orchestral and vocal ensemble of more than 150 performers, distinguished soloists, and the rare beauty of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

**Admission by reservation only:**

- **Lions Club Filippo Neri:** 339 6593990
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