May 1st Concert – Filarmonica G. Puccini

A staple event in the village of Montecarlo

The May 1st Concert is one of the most anticipated events in the musical calendar of Montecarlo, a small medieval village perched on the hills of the province of Lucca, in Tuscany. Every year, on Labor Day, the Società Filarmonica "G. Puccini" A.P.S. invites the public to inaugurate its outdoor concert season in a setting of great charm: the cloister of the Istituto Pellegrini Carmignani, located at Via Roma 3 in the historic town center.

The "G. Puccini" Philharmonic, 150 years of music

The Montecarlo band has deep roots: the musical corps was founded in 1875 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025. Named after the great Lucca-born composer Giacomo Puccini, the Philharmonic has accompanied the civic and religious life of the town for generations, performing at local celebrations and organizing concerts throughout the year. It is one of those associations that, in many Italian towns, preserves and passes down a passion for ensemble music.

The concert program

Under the direction of Maestro Davide Buonaguidi, the ensemble offers a broad and varied repertoire, designed to be enjoyed by both enthusiasts and those new to band music. The program includes:

• Classical and operatic pieces, following the great Italian tradition;
• Modern music and film scores;
• Original compositions for band, written specifically for this type of ensemble.

The concert takes place in the afternoon, starting at 4:00 PM, and is free of charge: a choice that confirms the popular and civic spirit of the event, open to families, residents, and passing visitors.

Montecarlo, between music and wine

Attending the concert is also an excellent opportunity to discover Montecarlo, a village known for its defensive walls, its 14th-century fortress, and above all for the famous DOC white and red wine produced on the surrounding hills. A day of music in the cloister, a stroll through the alleys of the historic center, and a stop at one of the local wineries make for a quintessentially Tuscan experience, far from the main tourist crowds.