29.05.2006 [17:07]

June will kick off with the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic, and the June 2 festivities will start the Roman summer season.

In the art world, these are the last days to enjoy exhibits featuring masterpieces by Modigliani, Sartorio, and Antonello da Messina. Other must see exhibits include "Carteles de la guerra civil" and "Star d'autore", the Museo del Risorgimento paper archives, "Scultura lignea russa (Russian Wood sculpture)", and "Roma Barocca (Baroque Rome)". Moreover, the Bilotti Museum will be inaugurated with an exhibit featuring Hirst, Sally and Saville.

Music will also play a major role in the summer programming, starting with Ligabue and following with concerts by Roger Waters, Gianna Nannini, Placebo, Nicky Nicolai and Stefano Di Battista, Quintorigo, Roy Paci & Aretuska, Almamegretta and closing in beauty with the rich and varied programme of the Villa Celimontana Jazz festival. Clubs such as Terrazze and Zen will also offer live musical events.
The summer will also offer delights for classical music lovers, with the New York Philharmonic, operas at the Baths of Caracalla, concerts at the Quirinale Palace, and the New Operafestival.

Theatre options include shows by Gigi Proietti, Gabriele Lavia, Pietro Longhi and Nathalie Caldonazzo, and by popular request, "Cirque du Soleil". Other entertainment possibilities can be found in the open air theatre, with programs in the Globe Theatre and "Passaggi Segreti (Secret Passages)".

Sporting events will also take centre stage in Rome this summer, with the "BMW Ladies Italian Open-Golf", the Roma Seven rugby matches, beach tennis matches at Shotour, Romaquatica's swimming events and 100 Vele, a sailing competition.

This month will also see the reopening of two wonders of art and architecture, the "Limonaia" and the Pamphilj Chapel. The "Festival delle Letterature (Literature Festival)", at the Massenzio, is yet another option in this year's varied and extensive summer programming.