Today we had the most pleasant start to our day on our weekend visit to Parma. We had tickets for an 11AM concert at the Opera and wanted to fit in a visit to the Palazzo della Pilotta (1583), an imposing fortress that houses an art collection (a few Leonardo Da Vinci, Canaletto) but the main draw is the Teatro Farnese - a restored baroque theater originally constructed in 1618 which is contained inside the palazzo. The theater was built inside a large open space in the palace that was probably initially used to hold tournaments, probably with knights riding on horseback and jousting. So we arrived to the palazzo, purchased our entry tickets (with our student discount!) and turned toward the entrance to the theater. UGH. There was a long line of rough-looking mostly male tourists seemingly just off of a bus waiting to enter the theater space ahead of us. I thought they looked russian. We actually considered leaving and returning in a few minutes after the group had left. But decided to enter just behind them anyway. Visitors are allowed to walk onto the stage of this theater. And the group of bus tourists marched right up the ramp to the stage. And after a few short moments we heard the most wonderful sound. I first imagined the museum had turned on a recording. But no, it was coming from the stage, the rough looking crew was actually a mens chorus. They sang this piece (attached) and then left. Please turn the volume up and listen. It is just beautiful singing. And no, they were not russian, they are italians. We have actually come across this in previous visits to churches in europe where visiting groups appear, and sing one or two songs, and then leave. But this morning it was just the most unexpected pleasure! I hope you too enjoy it.
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