Siena, in addition to being a jewel of art and culture, is home to prestigious music academies and live music venues that offer a rich annual program of events.
If you’re reading this post, it’s probably because you’re looking for where to listen to live music in Siena.
At Borgo Grondaie, we’ve thought of the following options:
And All That Jazz
The association known locally as Siena Jazz is a cultural institution, founded by the Municipality and Province of Siena and the Sienese Jazz Association, committed to the promotion, diffusion, and teaching of jazz music and its numerous contemporary derivatives.
Siena hosts one of the most influential jazz schools in Italy and Europe, bringing jazz musicians and young students from all over the world to the city.
The headquarters of Siena Jazz is located inside a majestic building within the Medicean Fortress of Siena.
Founded as an association in 1977, it was the first non-state music institution in Italy to be authorized by the MIUR (Ministry of Education and Merit) to issue Higher Artistic and Musical Education diplomas for the first-level academic degree, courses that hold legal value, equivalent to a first-level university degree, and thus legally recognized in the same way, both in Italy and throughout the European Union.
The school is a member of I.A.S.J. (International Association of Schools of Jazz), an association based in The Hague, Netherlands, that includes the most important jazz schools in the world.
In addition to promoting jazz music in Siena, the association is involved in education, research, and production, and has an extensive archive of textual and audiovisual sources in the jazz world.
Every summer, during the academy’s summer seminars, the city’s squares come alive with jazz, with concerts in every corner!
Walking through the Medicean Fortress, where the academy is located, the perfect background music for breathtaking sunsets is never missing! From the large windows overlooking the Medici walls of the fortress, you’re likely to hear the young musicians at work.
The calendar of summer seminars, which take place in July and August in the heart of the city, in the most charming locations during the summer period, is available online at the following link: https://www.sienajazz.it/
Accademia Musicale Chigiana
Another important foundation in the musical scene of Siena and internationally is the Fondazione Accademia Musicale Chigiana, located at Palazzo Chigi Saracini, just a stone’s throw from the Siena Cathedral, in the very heart of the city.
The origins of this ancient residence date back to the mid-13th century. In 1770, the palace was acquired by the Saracini family, who carried out expansion works. The last heir of the family was Guido Chigi Saracini in 1906.
The Accademia Musicale Chigiana officially opened its advanced courses in 1932.
Since 1932, the concert activity has covered the entire year, both in the Concert Hall within the palace and in charming locations in Siena and the surrounding area.
Information about the advanced courses and concerts open to the public can be found at the following link:
https://www.chigiana.org/miv_2022-2023/
Un Tubo
In the heart of the historic center, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo, down a small alley behind a little door, you’ll find a wonderful venue that hosts artists every night!
This is “Un Tubo” Jazz Club, offering jazz concerts and more throughout the week, with a rich and varied program, accompanied by a bar offering an excellent selection of cocktails and drinks.
Link: http://www.untubo.com/
Bottega Roots
Still just a couple of steps from Piazza del Campo, walking down Via di Pantaneto, one of the streets richest in restaurants, bars, and venues, you’ll find Bottega Roots; a bistro offering a selection of food and drinks, accompanied by live music events of all kinds.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/bottegaroots/
Italian Opera Siena
For opera lovers, we recommend Italian Opera Siena, which offers concerts featuring the most famous arias from the most well-known Italian operas at the Auditorium Santo Stefano alla Lizza in Piazza La Lizza, 1 in Siena, from April to October, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
A special atmosphere is created by the professionals who alternate at each concert.
Each performance starts at 9:15 PM and ends just before midnight. During the intermission, an aperitif will be served.
For more information, visit: https://www.italianoperasiena.com/
These are just a few of the live music experiences the city has to offer.
At Borgo Grondaie, you can get updates on the shows happening in Siena during your stay, and you can book directly on our website to ensure you get the best deal!
