The Toscana Gospel Festival is back this year, with 10 concerts scheduled from December 17 to 29 in 10 cities across Tuscany. This year’s event will be the 26th edition, one that is bringing in six talented gospel groups from the United States. For the first time since its founding, there are no concerts in Florence or Prato and they are instead scattered throughout Tuscany.
The festival began in 1996 with the goal of bringing gospel music to Tuscany. Since then, over 300 groups and 2900 artists have performed in about 350 live shows in the festival, demonstrating the Tuscan public’s appreciation for gospel music and the convergence of cultures it represents. The 10 events this year include multiple performances from Grammy-nominated Nathan Mitchell & the Voices of Inspiration and JP & the Soul Voices. The Washington Gospel Singers are considered one of the “best gospel ensembles” in the Washington DC region and have toured internationally in South America and Italy. For the first time, many of the concerts are free, and the rest range in price from €10 to €15 per seat.
Gospel music is the oldest form of American popular music, originating in the southern United States during slavery. Slaves created music as work songs that alleviated their pain and also proved useful in communication with other organizations that helped them escape. When Baptist and Methodist preachers converted them to Christianity, the slaves began to sing spiritual songs, which were later influenced by African music and rhythms.
From this array of plantation songs, spirituals, and African beats, gospel music was born. Many other genres of music have evolved from gospel, including jazz and blues. Today, gospel music remains the lifeblood of many American communities. The lyrics of these songs have remained relevant during times stained with wars, suffering, and social inequalities across the world.
More information can be found on the Toscana Gospel Festival website at https://www.toscanagospelfestival.net/index.php. (Molly Mulvihill)
Program
Nathan Mitchell & the Voices of Inspiration
Saturday, December 17 at 9:15 pm
Poliziano Theater, Montepulciano
Free admission
Roderick Giles and Grace
Saturday, December 17 at 9:15 pm
Wanda Capodaglio Theater, Castelfranco Piandiscò
Admission €10 / children under 12, €5
Nathan Mitchell & the Voices of Inspiration
Sunday, December 18 at 5 pm
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Portoferraio
Free admission
Nate Brown & One Voice
Wednesday, December 21 at 9 pm
Teatro Il Moderno, Agliana
Admission €11/ reduced €8
Nathan Mitchell & the Voices of Inspiration
Thursday, December 22 at 9:15 pm
Teatro Masaccio, San Giovanni Valdarno
Admission €13 / reduced €11
Brent Jones & TP Mobb
Monday, December 26 at 9:15 pm
Teatro degli Oscuri, Torrita di Siena
Admission €14/ reduced €12
Nathan Mitchell & the Voices of Inspiration
Monday, December 26 at 9:15 pm
Marciano Tower, Marciano della Chiana
Admission €10
JP and the Soul Voices
Tuesday, December 27 at 9:15 pm
Teatro degli Animosi, Carrara
Floor seats and central boxes €18 / reduced €16
Side box seats €14 / reduced €12
Gallery €10/ reduced €8
Washington Gospel Singers
Wednesday, December 28 at 9:15 pm
Teatro Signorelli, Cortona
Floor seats and boxes €13 / reduced €11
Upper boxes €11/ €9
JP and the Soul Voices
Thursday, December 29 at 9:15 pm
Teatro Petrarca, Arezzo
Admission €15 / reduced €13
Box seats €12 / reduced €10
Gallery €10 / reduced €8
