Summer Music Festivals in Umbria

Manuela Morena, of Fine Italian Ceramics, reminds us that the Umbria region holds two very important and world-famous summer performing arts events- the Festival dei due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds) and the Umbria Jazz Festival.

The Festival dei Due Mondi, 27 June through 13 July, is one of Italy's most famous performing arts festivals. It's attended by some of the world's top artists and features concerts, operas, ballets, films, and art. It's held in the beautiful hill town of Spoleto in southern Umbria. Manuela says, "One of the most eagerly-awaited events is the festival closure concert - on July 13th a lucky audience will enjoy an evening of music with the London Symphony Orchestra in Piazza del Duomo!"

The Umbria Jazz Festival, held in Perugia 11 through 20 July, has jazz performers from all over the world. Besides the concerts, there's lots of music in the squares and streets so it's a great time to be in town. I was lucky enough to be in Perugia, one of my favorite Italian cities, during the jazz festival a number of years ago when I took a summer Italian course at Perugia's excellent Universita per Stranieri. (read more about studying Italian at the Universita per Stranieri on Europe Travel.

Read more about the two festivals and other summer performing arts events in July Music and Performing Arts Festivals.

Take a look at the two towns with our Spoleto Picture Gallery and Perugia Picture Gallery. If you plan to visit during the events be sure to book a hotel ahead. Here are Spoleto Hotels and Perugia Hotels (book direct) with guest ratings and reviews.