Giovanni Battista Lulli

Le Carnaval - Mascarade, 1675

On Saturday, March 7th, at 8 PM, Maestro Federico Maria Sardelli—conducting the Modo Antiquo Orchestra and the Chorus of I Musici del Gran Principe—returns to the Teatro del Maggio for a performance of Giovanni Battista Lulli's last comédie-ballet: "Le Carnaval - Mascarade, 1675," in concert form.

With the support of the Fondazione CR Firenze

In collaboration with Modo Antiquo, the Lulli Institute, and I Musici del Gran Principe

Florence, March 2nd, 2026 - Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, in collaboration with Modo Antiquo, the Lulli Institute, and I Musici del Gran Principe, presents an extraordinary musical event: Le Carnaval, Mascarade Royale by Giovanni Battista Lulli, a concert performance of the French composer's last comedy-ballet. The performance will take place in the Zubin Mehta Hall on March 7th at 8pm. With recent performances in Ferrara and Modena, this is a world first in modern times.

This royal "mascarade," first performed in 1675 at the court of Louis XIV—the Sun King—and at the Palais Royal, is a rare gem of the Baroque repertoire: ten independent entrées, each of which will be introduced to the audience by Maestro Sardelli during the performance at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Ten entrées that solemnly yet entertainingly celebrate Carnival, through a continuous play of metamorphoses, reviving some of the greatest successes of the comédies-ballets of the same period, from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme to Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, in a concert format that enhances their musical and theatrical essence and celebrates the vitality of the Baroque, always capable of surprising and enchanting.

On the podium is maestro Federico Maria Sardelli, leading the Modo Antiquo Orchestra and the Chorus of I Musici del Gran Principe. The show is presented in the critical edition edited by Bernardo Ticci (BTE2025) and adapted by Sardelli. With Le Carnaval, Mascarade Royale, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and Federico Maria Sardelli continue their commitment to rediscovering masterpieces of the past, offering Florentine and international audiences a unique opportunity to listen and experience theatre in the spirit of the great European musical tradition. Maestro Federico Maria Sardelli and maestro Samuele Lastrucci – alongside him as assistant conductor and choirmaster – return to the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino after a performance dedicated to Lulli: their last performance was in April of last year for the Gran Gala Lulli, which also featured the Modo Antiquo Orchestra and the Choir of I Musici del Gran Principe.

The vocal cast of Le Carnaval, Mascarade Royale features outstanding figures from the Baroque vocal repertoire: Valeria la Grotta is the Première dessus; Giuseppina Bridelli is the Deuxième dessus; and Philippe Talbot is the Haute-contre. Cyril Auvity is the Taille; Francesco Masilla and Samy Timin are the Première basse; and Alexandre Baldo is the Deuxième basse.

The Lulli Institute thanks the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze Foundation, which has renewed its crucial support for this initiative, continuing a successful collaboration begun last year and confirming its sensitive attention to projects promoting research and the promotion of musical heritage. "It is a great joy to bring back to Florence a previously unseen and recently rediscovered Lulli thanks to the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio" says Federico Maria Sardelli, emphasizing the value of an initiative that restores a significant chapter in the city's cultural history. "This renewal of support is an important recognition for us" adds Samuele Lastrucci, "and demonstrates the trust placed in the Lulli Institute's scientific and artistic work." Special thanks go to Dr. Barbara Tosti, Head of the Foundation's Art, Activities and Cultural Heritage Department, for the attention and expertise with which she follows and encourages projects aimed at disseminating and sharing culture in the region.