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For information and publication of events: Paola Sconzo

index --- NEWS

If you visit our city, "City Lights News Milan" will be a useful companion for you and help you discover what Milan has to offer. Our newsletter is conceived as an easy-to-consult guide with chapters on concerts, operas, movies, exhibitions and much more. Being online, you can update yourself before leaving home to better plan your time in Milan or, if you wish, reserve seats for shows you do not want to miss. "City Lights News Milan" will give you fresh information every month. In each issue, you will find a short article on a couple of events we have chosen from the monthly calendar.

April in Milan is traditionally dedicated to architecture and design. The 42nd Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the International Furniture Fair) is always an important event for people working in the field.

This year, at the same time as the fair, there will be some exhibitions dedicated to contemporary architecture (see calendar of events for details). One of the most interesting is "Giò Ponti. A World", a large show organized by the Triennale in memory of the famous Milanese architect (1897-1979). There are over 400 objects: furniture, ceramics, paintings, designed pieces, books, magazines and papers documenting Ponti's activity from the 1920's on. The exhibition, which was very successful in London and Rotterdam, arrives in Milan when the Pirelli's skyscraper - one of Ponti's most famous work - is being renovated.

After the show, you may want to stop at the Coffee Design, the new cafeteria at the Triennale, where you can sip coffee while consulting art books. Try their Sunday's brunch.

Another one of Ponti's works of art has been recently restored. The Torre Branca designed in the 1930's is located in the Parco Sempione. Its light and graceful shape makes it an artistic jewel and an architectonic challenge at the same time. An elevator allows you, for € 3, to comfortably climb to the covered look-out where the view of Milan is spectacular.

After visiting the Torre Branca, stop at the Just Cavalli Cafè (Viale Camoens; hours: 12.30PM-2.30PM/ 8PM-2AM. Closed Wednesday. Tel. 02.34.93.46.43), at the foot of the tower, the new restaurant conceived by the Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Seating on imitation leopard skin sofas, taste Italian and international innovative cuisine or simply order a drink.

If you are interested in a short tour of fashion designers restaurants, we advice you to try the Spazio Armani (Via Manzoni, 31) where you can choose between an elegant Japanese style restaurant called Nobu (entrance on Via Pisoni, 1 - closed on Sunday - tel. 02.62.31.26.45), and the Emporio Armani Cafè with a cafeteria at the ground floor and a nice restaurant on the upper floor.

Trussardi (Piazza Scala, 5) has a very elegant and modern tea room with a lovely view of Piazza Scala.

And lasty, if you feel like going outside Milan, try the Post Garage (Via Castello, 5 - Legnano tel. 00331.54.99.80), a huge disco-bar designed by Dolce & Gabbana, where from Thursday to Sunday you can eat and dance.

From April 10th to 15th, The Milan fair hosts the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, a show case of international design. At the same time, you can visit the Salone Internazionale del Complemento d'Arredo and Euroluce, the latter entirely dedicated to lighting. Access is reserved for those working in the sector with an entrance fee (€ 31 for 3 entrances and € 42 for 6 entrances) and a presentation of an ID validated by membership in a Chamber of Commerce. The Salone opens every day from 9.30AM to 6.30PM. General public will be admitted only on Sunday, April 13th.

For further information on fairs, please check Fiera di Milano.

To reach the Milan fairground by public transportation, take the subway (red line) to Amendola Fiera station (near to the Porta Giulio Cesare reception area) or to Lotto Fiera 2 station (near to Porta Teodorico and Porta Scarampo entrance gates). You may also take tram 19 to Piazza 6 Febbraio or Largo Domodossola; tram 27 to Piazza 6 Febbraio; tram 1 and tram 33 and bus 57 and bus 61 stop at the corner of Corso Sempione and Via Domodossola, near the reception area of Porta Domodossola; bus 68 to Piazzale Giulio Cesare; bus 78 to Via Colleoni; and bus 48, stop at the corner of via Colleoni/ Via Scarampo. A free shuttle bus, called the "Circolare Fiera", operates around the external perimeter of the fairgrounds. Green line operates between the Amendola Fiera subway station and the various fairground entrances. Blue line operates between the San Siro parking facilities/ Lotto Fiera 2 subway stop and the fairground entrances. If you wish to take a taxi, you can call the following numbers: 02.85.85; 02.83.83; 02.40.40; 02.53.53.

From April 9th to 14th, the Triennale hosts "SOS Design", an exhibition also selling design objects donated by companies and the designers themselves for charity reasons. The proceeds will be turned over to the humanitarian association Emergency. Hours: 10.30AM/8.30PM; Monday closed except for April 14th. Info: 02.72.43.42.40.

If you are planning to enjoy one of the many shows organized by the city's theatres this season, we suggest that you reserve way in advance (the Milanese love to go out at night....). Most theatres have on-line booking service or, in alternative, you can also make a phone reservation and pay your ticket by credit card (for details see CLN's calendar of events).

Ballet fans should not miss "La Bisbetica Domata" ("The Taming of the Shrew") at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, the temporary "home" of the Teatro alla Scala. Choreography is by John Cranko and the stars are Alessandra Ferri, in the role of Catherine, and Maximiliano Guerra as Petruccio.

Opera lovers instead can see Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri" (April 1rst and 5th) and Beethoven's "Fidelio" at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi with Riccardo Muti (April 4th, 6th and 8th) conducting the orchestra. The scenery is by Ezio Frigerio and the costumes by Franca Squarciapino.

Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

If you wish to go to La Scala, please keep in mind that the opera and the ballet company of La Scala are currently performing at the newly built Teatro Degli Arcimboldi (Via dell'Innovazione, at Bicocca district) while the old La Scala theatre is being completely renovated. How to get to the new Teatro degli Arcimboldi: there is a shuttle bus running on every performance evening from Piazza del Duomo from about 6:45 P.M. to 7:15 P.M. Return at the end of each show. Tickets: regular bus ticket (€ 1 each way). The theatre will be closed in August.

Are you looking for more opera performances? Try the following: on the 5th, 6th 11th and 13th of April Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" at the Teatro di San Lorenzo alle Colonne, one of the most beautiful city monuments.

On the 11th of April Mascagni's "La Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Centro Culturale Il Rosetum.

And lasty, on April 12 and 13th "La Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Teatro Alfredo Chiesa (for details consul the calendar of events).

Lovers of classical music should not miss the evening dedicated to Rachmaninov with the pianist Freddy Kempf accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Saint Petersbourg, conducted by Yuri Termikano. The concert will take place at the Teatro Dal Verme on April 2nd and the proceeds will be donated to Itaca Association for Mental Health.

You can listen to more classical music at the Palazzo Reale. Book now for the 15th of April when the Academy Choir and Orchestra will together perform music by Durante and Vivaldi. After the concert, and around 10 PM, a guided tour to the exhibitions and the recently restored rooms of the Palace will take place. At the end, around 10.45, a cocktail will be served. Admission: € 15,00. For reservation call 02.55.211.823.

On the 29th of April, with the same after concert formula, there will be a concert by the pianist Roberto Cappello performing pieces by Chopin.

Do you want to treat yourself to a good classical concert without spending any money? Well, Milan is full of surprises!

Try the concerts of the Orchestra Sinfonica dell'Università degli Studi di Milano (Via Festa del Perdono 7-tel. 02.58.30.80.17 - orchestra@unimi.it), composed of 80 students, who once a month performs in the main lecture hall of the University. Free entrance.

If you instead prefer jazz on April 7th do not miss "Il Battito del Tempo", a concert with the Time Percussion Band and the Civica Jazz Band conducted by Enrico Intra at the Teatro Studio.

On the same day, the Teatro degli Arcimboldi hosts the Enrico Rava Quartet.

And again on the 7th of April, the Auditorium di Milano presents Attilio Cappelletti and Giulio Visibelli with their experimental jazz performance characterized by its lyricism.

Also in April, Milan hosts two international pop stars: Jackson Browne will sing at the Teatro Nazionale on April 1rst and the Israeli singer Noa, called "the dove with the golden voice", will perform at the Teatro Smeraldo on the 18th.

On the 14th and 15th, Italian rock music at the Mazda Palace with a Ligabue's concert.

And now the list of CLN's favourite art shows for this month:

Until April 27th, the Triennale offers "Giò Ponti. A World", the biggest show on Ponti's work ever organized.

Until the end of April, the Fondazione Prada presents the works of the contemporary German artist Andreas Slominsky.

Until May 5th, the Spazio Oberdan hosts "Il Novecento Milanese. Da Sironi ad Arturo Marini" ("The 20th Century in Milan from Sironi to Arturo Marini"). The show also includes works by Sironi, Malerba, Funi, Oppi, Carrà and other artists.

Until May 18th, the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea offers "Chen Zhen: Between East and West. Installations and drawings". The show features works from the collection of the Chinese artist widow and private Italian and foreign collections. A few large installations created by Zhen between 1997 and 2000 will be on display.

Until June 6th, the Palazzo Reale presents a large exhibition of the works by Amedeo Modigliani created in the period between 1906 and 1920. The show has been realized in partnership with the Musée de Luxembourg in Paris.

Until June 29, the Triennale hosts "Nanni Strada. Abitare l'abito", a tribute to one of the most original fashion designers on the Italian cultural scene.

Until the end of June, the Triennale presents "Fuori Serie" displaying unique pieces by some of the most famous Italian designers.

Until Sunday, July 27th the Triennale offers "Asfalto. Il carattere della città", a new view of the physical urban environment.

If you wish to visit The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the world's most celebrated paintings, on display in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2; take the subway, line 1 to Conciliazione or take the bus n° 24 to Corso Magenta), remember that reservation is required (for reservations call 02.89.42.11.46) and costs € 1. BreraHotels.com offer their clients a booking service on request. Schedule: Tue-Sun 8 AM - 7.30 PM. Monday closed. Admission: € 6,50; reduced 3,25; free for European citizens under 18 years or over 65. Guided tours in English: from Tue-Sun 9.30 AM and 3.30 PM. Admission : € 3,25 and € 62 for groups (max 25 people). Audio guides are available in English, Japanese, French, German and Spanish € 2,50 (one person) or € 4,50 (2 people).

Most stores in Milan are closed on Sundays. If you are a fashion addict, however remember that some shops located very close to the Brera Hotels remain open on Sundays. Check Corso Como 10 (Corso Como, 10) which carries a selection of the most original and beautiful clothing for the coming season and a collection of jewelry from all over the world; go to High Tech (Piazza XXV Aprile) a fancy megastore where you can find literally everything for the home; a special shuttle bus takes you from High Tech to the other megastore called Cargo (Via Meucci, 39. For info call 02.27.22.13.01). Take a look in La Rinascente (Corso Vittorio Emanuele), the number one Italian department store. Or if you are looking for excellent prices and good quality, go to Zara, which carries women's, men's and children's clothing. A 3 storey Benetton (Corso Vittorio Emanuele) and UPIM (Via Torino and Piazza San Babila) stay open too. Some good bookstores stay open on Sunday and all of them have an international section with foreign language editions. So, if you feel like buying a book or a CD shop at Mondadori (Corso Vittorio Emanuele), Messaggerie Musicali (Corso Vittorio Emanuele), Virgin Records (Piazza del Duomo) or FNAC (Via Torino, at the corner with Via della Palla).

If you want a quick bite, both delicious and economical, while you are shopping in the area around the Piazza Duomo, try the legendary panzerotti and focacce at Luini in Via Santa Radegonda, 16: a Milanese classic! Closed on Sundays.

If, on the other hand, you are in Via Montenapoleone-Via Spiga area give yourself the pleasure of a light gourmet lunch in an old Milanese courtyard. Il Salumaio is in a very elegant setting! Open everyday but Sundays.

If you have time and want to intermix Sunday shopping with brunch, try Le Biciclette (Via Torti, at the corner with Via Conca del Naviglio - tel. 02.58.10.43.25 - open 7 days a week), a trendy and always crowded eatery in the Ticinese area; Julep's New York (Via Torricelli 21 - tel. 02.89.40.90.29 - closed on Saturdays ) for a typical American brunch in the magical atmosphere of the Navigli; New York Cafè (Via Rosmini, 2 - tel. 02.31.69.86; closed Sat. for lunch and Tue.) which offers a New York menu in a warm and unique setting in Chinatown; Corso Como Cafè (Corso Como, 10) where you can find anything from sushi to pasta and eat in a unique and very elegant setting located in the Brera district.

For those in a hurry who only have time for a good cup of coffee or tea, we suggest:

Taveggia (Via Visconti di Modrone, 2) where in an original Belle Epoque atmosphere you can taste excellent espresso and delicious pastries. If you want to relax you can seat in their elegant tea room.

Pottery Cafe (Via Solferino, 3) which offers all the Italian classics, espresso and cappuccino, expertly prepared and a vast choice of coffees from all over the world.

Cucchi (Corso Genova, at the corner with Via Molino delle Armi) renowed for its pastries and nice tea-room.

San Carlo (Corso Vittorio Emanuele) an obligatory for lovers of true espresso.

Cova (Via Montenapoleone, at the corner with Via Spiga), always crowded with Milanese as well as tourists, situated in the heart of the luxury shopping area of Milan.

For those of you who have the possibility of going out of town, CLN offers a "label for less" mini-shopping guide indicating some outlets located near Milan where you can find the most famous Italian brand names. Please, remember that most of these stores remain open on Sunday. However, it is a good idea to call before going and check the store hours. Here are some outlets:

Mc Arthur Glen Designer Outlets: here you can find Reebok, Adidas, and Asics (sportswear); Mandarina Duck, Coccinelle, Bally, A.Testoni, and Samsonite (suitcase, shoes, leather goods, and clothing); Etro, Cacharel, Aspesi, Versace, Dolce&Gabbana, and Trussardi (clothing for women and men); Timberland and Moreschi (shoes and leather goods); Pupa and Bottega Verde (cosmetics); Swarovski and Bulgari (watches and jewelry); Onyx, Rifle Group, Stefanel, Benetton, Wrangler, Diesel, Guess, Calvin Klein Jeans, LaCoste, and Clarks (casual clothing); Saldarini (silk); Rosenthal (china and crystal). To reach the store take the Milano-Genova freeway and exit at Serravalle Scrivia. Hours: open every day from 10AM to 7PM. For further information please call 0143.609.000.

Outlet Fratelli Rossetti: here you can find various models of the famous Rossetti shoes. Address: Via Cantù, 24 - Parabiago (Milan). Hours: 9.30AM-12.30PM/2PM-7PM, closed Mon and Sun, except during the holiday season. For further information please call 0331.55.22.26.

Outlet Dolce&Gabbana: hundreds of clothing items and accessories by the most famous couple of the Italian fashion world. Address: Via Rossini, 70 - Legnano (Milan). Hours: 10AM-1.30PM/2.30PM-7PM, closed Mon and Sun, except during the holiday season. For further information please call 0331.54.58.88.

Outlet Alberto Aspesi: large choice of quilted jackets, heavy jackets and women clothing. Address: Via S. Quasimodo, 36. Hours: 9.30AM-12.00PM/2PM-6PM, closed Mon and Sun. For further information please call 0331.52.64.11.

Are you looking for Italian silk items at reasonable prices. Check these two outlets near Como for textiles, shawls, ties and scarfs: Seterie Ratti - Via Cernobbio, 17 Como (Villasucota). Hours: 8AM-6.30PM, closed Monday. For further information please call 031.57.60.00; Serica Lariana Gruppo Frangi - Via Volta, 5 Uggiate Trevano (Como). Hours: 8AM-12PM/1.30PM-6PM, open from Mon to Fri. For further information please call 031.80.92.33.

Rosenthal Outlet: Settimocielo - Via Cesare da Sesto, 1 - Sesto San Giovanni (Milano) tel. 02.26.26.30.14, here you find a large choice of household items from kitchenware to entire sets of Rosenthal dinnerware. Hours: Monday 3PM-7PM; Tue-Sat 9.30AM-1PM/ 3PM-7PM.

We remind you that guided tours of secret passageways have began at the Castello Sforzesco. You can visit the Torrione di Santo Spirito and the underground chambers and walk along the Tower's walkways, which also offer a wonderful panorama of the city. The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes (every Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM, except on Easter day and May 1st. Admission: € 13,00; reduced € 10,00). Children under 8 are not admitted. Please, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flash light. Reservation is required: call 02.65.96.937 Mon.- Fri. 9.30AM-1.30PM/2.30PM-6.30PM.

If you don't want to give up your jogging habit while in Milan or simply want to take a nice walk in a quiet place, we suggest you to go to the city's public gardens located in the downtown area.

The largest park is Sempione Park, whose 47 hectares stretch from the Sforza Castle to Piazza Sempione. You can take a walk in this park the same day you visit the Sforza Castle, one of the most interesting cultural sites in town. Originally built on the castle' s parade ground, the park tends to be packed on week-ends. However, you can enjoy a walk around its pond or even take a bike ride (remember that Brera Hotels' guests have free use of Riciclo, a specially designed bicycle for short trips in town) and discover the park's most remote and quiet spots. The Aquarium and the Panoramic Tower are located on the park's perimeter. At the head of the park is the Sforza Castle, originally built between 1358 and 1368 and entirely remodelled by Francesco Sforza in the 15th century. You can walk in the huge yard surrounded by the fortress's massive walls and then visit the castle museums. One of the most remarkable is the collection of sculptures from the later Roman Empire to the Renaissance, including Michelangelo's "Pietà Rondanini". Other collections include a picture gallery displaying some masterpieces by Bellini, Giovanni Tiepolo, Titian, Van Dyck and Andrea Mantegna; a small museum devoted to Ancient Egypt; an exhibition of 640 musical instruments from the 15th to the 19th century and other halls dedicated to china, ivory, bronzes, old costumes and accessories, tapestries, and arms. Even though the castle area is undergoing restoration works, it is worth a visit.

The Public Garden of Via Palestro (Via Palestro,16) - now dedicated to the memory of Indro Montanelli, the famous Italian journalist and writer - is much smaller than the previous one but nicely maintained. It is a good place to take a walk or to have a drink outside.

The Guastalla Garden (Via Guastalla), with its fish pond in the middle, is a little charming garden which has kept its original character. It is usually less crowded than the other ones.

Once again this month "City Lights News" suggests a week-end itinerary to discover some of the most picturesque areas of Milan while wandering around the city's street markets. Milan offers a wide choice of alternatives. If you are an enthusiast of antiques, the right place for you is Brera Antique Open Air Market (Mercatino dell'Antiquariato di Brera) held every third Sunday of each month in Brera, one of the fanciest and most elegant neighbourhoods of Milan (Via Fiori Chiari; take the subway, yellow line, to Montenapoleone). Walking around old alleys, framed by beautiful buildings, just one block from Brera Art Gallery, you can buy China pieces, British silverware and furniture, lovely Italian objects designed in the Twenties, Thirties, Forties and Fifties, lamps and prints, antique and signed costume jewelry. Once you have done with your shopping, you can enjoy one of the numerous restaurants, ice-cream parlours and cafes located around the market area.

The last Sunday of each month 350 exhibitors, coming from all over Italy, gather at the Antique Market on the Naviglio Grande (Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Take the subway, line 2 to Porta Genova. Information: tel. 02.89.40.99.71). Throughout the years the Navigli area - this charming corner of the city crowded with restaurants specialized in local cuisine, pizzerias, cafes, ice-cream parlours, shops, bookstores and art galleries - has preserved its Bohemian atmosphere and original character. The antique fair offers a variety of oddities and if you feel like going curio-hunting you are in the right spot. Going from one stall to the other, you could find antique toys, porcelain dolls, paintings, little sculptures, ceramics, pieces of furniture, books, postcards, lace, Italian, Asian or African handicrafts, and - if you are lucky - some interesting pieces of Italian design from the Forties and the Fifties. Most stores and art galleries in the Navigli area remain open on market day.

On the second Sunday of each month, from 9 A.M. until sunset, the Antique Fair at the Lido (Piazzale Lotto, take the subway, line 2, to Lotto) smaller than the previous markets, offers you another opportunity to look for antiques.

If you are a stamp collector, you might want to take a look at the Stamp Collecting Market (Mercato Filatelico) held every Sunday morning at Via Armorari (take the subway, line 1 or line 3 to Duomo), very close to Piazza Duomo and Palazzo Reale.

The most traditional Milanese flea market, taking place every Saturday at the Darsena of Viale D'Annunzio from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., is called the Senigallia Fair (la Fiera di Senigallia). Here you can find a great variety of goods: shoes, imported textiles, food, jewellery, clothing, used bikes, kitchen tools and so on. It is possible to bargain.

Do not forget to check the BreraHotels.com web site for very interesting week-end rates. When booking your room, you can also reserve Riciclo®, the first bicycle designed especially for city use. Hotel guests can use it free of charge for short trips around the downtown area, and at the same time discover a new way to experience and learn more about Milan.

The English version of "City Lights News Milan" differs slightly from the Italian version. Theatre plays spoken in Italian are not included in the English version. In their place, original movies are listed.

"City Lights News Milan" wishes you a pleasant stay in Milan. See you again in May with our next issue.

Please note that occasionally, show time scheduled may change or events may be canceled.

index --- MUSIC and THEATRE

Tuesday, April 1, 8 P.M. : opera - "L'Italiana in Algeri" by G. Rossini. Conductor: Corrado Rovaris. Performers: M. Pertusi e C. Lepore (Mustafà); J. Diego Florez and L. Brownlee (Lindoro); V. Kasarova (Isabella). Teatro Degli Arcimboldi (Via dell'Innovazione, at the Bicocca district) the new theatre, with 2,400 seats, where La Scala's performances will be held until January 2004. In the mean time, the famous La Scala Opera Theatre is undergoing major restoration work. Performances: April 5. Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Wednesday, April 2, 8 P.M. : opera - "Fidelio" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Conductor: Riccardo Muti. Performers: I. Abdrazakov (Don Fernando); R. Dean Smith (Florestan); W. Meier (Leonore) H. Tschammer (Rocco). Performances: April 4, 6 and 8.Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Thursday April 3, 8 P.M. : concert by the Filarmonica della Scala. Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Saturday, April, 8 P.M. : concert by the Filarmonica della Scala, conducted by Riccardo Muti. Performances: April 14. Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Tuesday, April 1, 9 P.M. : the pianist Paul Lewis performs music by Schubert, Haydn and Janacek at the Conservatorio "G. Verdi" (Via Conservatorio, 12) - Sala G. Verdi. The concert is sponsored by the Società del Quartetto (Via Durini, 24 - tel. 02.79.53.93). Info and reservations: Società del Quartetto.

Tuesday, April 8, 9 P.M. : the pianist Lars Vogt and the violinist Sarah Chang perform music by Beethoven, Brahms and Frank. Info and reservations: Società del Quartetto.

Tuesday, April 29, 9 P.M. : concert by the pianist Richard Goode. Music: Byrd, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms and Debussy. Info and reservations: Società del Quartetto.

Wednesday, April 2, 9 P.M. : the Teatro Dal Verme (Via San Giovanni sul Muro 2 - tel. 02.87.905) presents the Pietroburgo Philharmonic Orchestra and the pianist Freddy Kempf performing music by Rackmaninoff. Conductor: Yuri Temirkanov. Reservations and information: tel. 02.72.02.11.38.

Wednesday, April 2, 9 P.M. : each month the Società dei Concerti (Via Vittor Pisani, 31- tel. 02.66.98.69.56) organizes, at the Conservatorio "G.Verdi" - Sala Grande - (Via Conservatorio, 12), a number of concerts performing international stars of classical music and well-known chamber or symphonic orchestras. The first musical event of the month is a concert by the pianist V. Samoshko. Music by Schubert, Schumann and Prokofiev. Admission: € 20,00; reduced € 15,00. Info/tickets: Tel. 02.66.98.69.56.

Wednesday, April 9, 9 P.M. : appointment with the pianist F. Say performing music by Scarlatti, Berg, Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, and Gershwin. Admission: € 20,00; reduced € 15,00.

Wednesday, April 16, 9 P.M. : concert by the pianist A. Lucchesini. Music by Beethoven and Chopin. Admission: € 20,00; reduced € 15,00.

Wednesday, April 23, 9 P.M. : concert by the pianist K. Lifsch performing music by Debussy and Schumann. Admission: € 20,00; reduced € 15,00.

Thursday, April 3, 9 P.M : the "Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali", conducted by D. Sitkovetsky, and the cello player U. Clerici perform at the Teatro Dal Verme (Via San Giovanni sul Muro, 2 - tel. 02.87.905). Music by Wagner, Saint-Saens and Stravinsky. Performances : Saturday, April 5, 5 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Teatro Dal Verme, Tue-Sun 3 P.M.-9 P.M.; Fondazione I Pomeriggi Musicali, Via Guicciardini 5- tel. 02.76.00.19.00, Mon/Fri 10 A.M.- 5 P.M.

Saturday, April 12, 5 P.M. : the Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali, conducted by Pietro Mianiti, and the soprano Sabina Macculli perform pieces by Malipiero and Pergolesi. Performance: Thursday, April 17, 9 PM. Admission: € 14,50-10,50-8,00; reduced € 11,50-9,00-6,00.

Saturday, April 26, 9 P.M. : concert by the Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali, conducted by Leo Brouwer, and the guitarist Costas Cotsiolis. Music: Gershwin, Ginastera and De Falla. Admission: € 14,50-10,50-8,00; reduced € 11,50-9,00-6,00.

Saturday, March 29, 9 P.M. : concert by the Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto conducted by the maestro K. Teraoka. Music: Dvorak and Malipiero.

Thursday, April 3, 11 A.M. : at the Auditorium di Milano, (Corso San Gottardo - tel. 02.83.38.94.02/03) the G. Verdi Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by U. Schirmer, performs music by Varese, Rihm and Strauss. Performances: Friday 4, 8:30 P.M. and Sunday 6, 4 P.M. Admission: € 31,00; reduced €23,50-7,00. Tickets can be purchased at Milan Tourist Office (Via Marconi 1 - tel. 02- 72.00.42.68) open from Monday to Friday 10 A.M.- 6 P.M.; Saturday and Sunday 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. ; 2 P.M.- 5 P.M.; or by calling 02.833.892 (10 A.M. - 7 P.M.).

Sunday, April 6, 11 A.M. : chamber music - The Klimt Quartet performs music by Schubert and Sostakovic. Admission: € 10,50; reduced € 7,00.

Thursday, April 10, 8:30 P.M. : the G. Verdi Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by U. Schirmer, performs music by A. Bruckner. Performances: Friday 11, 8:30 P.M. and Sunday 13, 4 P.M. Admission: € 31,00/ 7,75; reduced € 23,50/ 7,75.

Saturday, April 12, 3.30 P.M. : music for children - "Bimbi in Scena". Music by Britten and Hindenmith. Conductor: R. Jais. Admission: one adult + one child (under 14) € 13,00; two adults + one child (under 14) € 21,00; one ticket: € 8,00.

Sunday, April 13, 11 A.M : concert by the G. Verdi Symphonic Choir and the G. Verdi Chamber Ensemble, conducted by R. Jais. Music by Bach. Admission: € 10,50; reduced € 7,00.

Wednesday April 16, 8.30 P.M. : the G. Verdi Symphonic Orchestra and the Choir, conducted by R. Gandolfi, perform music by Rossini. Performances: Thursday April 17, 8.30 PM and Friday April 18, 7 PM. Admission: € 31,00/ 7,75; reduced € 23,50/ 7,75.

Thursday, April 24, 8:30 P.M. : the G. Verdi Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by C. Hogwood, performs music by Martinù, Schulhoff and Krasa. Performances: Friday 25, 8:30 P.M. and Sunday 27, 4 P.M. Admission: € 31,00/ 7,75; reduced € 23,50/ 7,75.

Sunday, April 27, 11 A.M : the G. Verdi Chamber Music Orchestra, conducted by Rossana Tomassi Golkar, performs music by Mozart. Admission: € 10,50; reduced € 7,00.

Thursday, April 3, 7 P.M. : the pianist M. Viggiani performs music by Bach, Debussy and Prokofiev at the Società Umanitaria (Via Daverio 7- tel. 02.57.96.831/07). Each performance at the Società Umanitaria is presented by the artistic director Massimiliano Baggio and the artists. Admission: € 11,00; reduced € 8,00. Info/tickets: tel. 02.57.96.831/07. Tickets can be purchased, one week in advance, at Milan Tourist Office (Via Marconi, 1 - tel. 02.72.52.43.01), open from Monday to Friday 10 A.M.- 6 P.M.; Saturday and Sunday 10 A.M. - 1 P.M.; 2 P.M.- 5 P.M.

Thursday, April 10, 7.00 P.M. : the Concentus Musicae Antiquae plays music by Gaffurio, Scarlatti, Saint Saens, Bruckener and Bardos.

Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4, 8:45 P.M. : the Fondazione Guido Cantelli (tel. 02.65.53.91) presents its first concert of the month at the Conservatorio "G. Verdi" (Via Conservatorio, 12) , Sala Verdi, featuring the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana conducted by A. Veronesi. Music by Berlioz. Admission: € 18-13; reduced € 7,50. Info/Tickets: tel. 02.65.53.91 (by credit card).

Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18, 9 P.M. : concert by the Orchestra Guido Cantelli conducted by G. Otvos, and the Civici Cori di Milano Accademia Internazionale della Musica, conducted by M. Bordignon. Music by Haydn and Beethoven. Info/Tickets: tel. 02.65.53.91 (by credit card).

Saturday, April 5, 9 P.M. : opera - Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia". Performances: 6, 11 and 13. At the Teatro di San Lorenzo alle Colonne (Corso di Porta Ticinese, 45). Info and reservations: 02.39.22.61.

Tuesday, 8 April, 9 PM : concert by the pianist M. Vaccarello. Music by Chopin and Liszt. Info: tel. 348.22.50.241; 02.39.22.61.

Tuesday, April 22, 9 P.M. : concert by the Duo Arena (piano and violin) performing music by Beethoven, De Falla, Brahms and Bartok. Info: tel. 348.22.50.241; 02.39.22.61.

Tuesday, April 8, 9 P.M. : the Milan University Symphonic Orchestra (Via Festa del Perdono 7 - tel. 02.58.30.80.17 - orchestra@unimi.it) performs music by Biscione, Liszt and van Beethoven at the University Hall. Free admission.

Friday, April 11, 9 P.M. : concert by the Orchestra da Camera della Lombardia (Lombardy Chamber Orchestra), conducted by Robert Gutter. Music by Mascagni, Haydn, Saint-Saens, Copland, and Sostakovic. Teatro Dal Verme (Via San Giovanni sul Muro 2-tel.02.87.905). Info: Associazione Culturale Rinascenze, Via Padova 164, E-mail: info@rinascenze.it; tickets can be purchased at theatre box office,tel.02.87.905, open Tues-Sun 3 P.M.- 9 P.M. Admission: € 12,00 - € 5,00; reduced € 9,00 - € 3,00

Friday, April 11, 8.30 P.M. : opera - "La Cavalleria Rusticana" by P. Mascagni. Centro Culturale Il Rosetum (Via Pisanello, 1 - tel. 02.48.707.203). Admission : € 15,50; reduced € 13,00.

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, 8.30 P.M. : opera - The Felix Company (tel. 02.28.26.786) presents "La Cavalleria Rusticana" by P. Mascagni performed by the Chamber Orchestra "Giorgio Strehler". Conductor: Vito Re. Teatro Alfredo Chiesa (Via San Cristoforo, 1). Info: tel. 02.28.26.789. Tickets can be purchased at RicordiMediaStore, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - tel. 02.86.90.683.

Tuesday, April 15, 9 P.M. : "Music and Art at the Palazzo Reale" - concert by the Academy Orchestra and its Choir. Music by Durante and Vivaldi. A tour of the Palace's rooms will follow at 10.15 P.M. At the end, a drink will be served at 10.45 P.M. Admission: € 15,00. Reservation: Musikanndo tel. 02.55.211.823.

Tuesday, April 29, 9 P.M. : "Music and Art at the Palazzo Reale" - concert by the pianist Roberto Cappello. Music by Chopin. A tour of the Palace's rooms will follow at 10.15 P.M. At the end, a drink will be served at 10.45 P.M. Admission: € 15,00. Reservation: Musikanndo tel. 02.55.211.823.

JAZZ, ROCK and POP

Every day from 6.30 P.M. to 9 P.M. : live jazz (music by Duke Ellington, Gershiwin, Goodwin and other jazz classics) at the Odeon Caffè Swing Club (Via Santa Radegonda, 8 - tel. 02.36.50.40.35). The Odeon Caffè, right under the spectacular pinnacles of the Cathedral, is open to the public every day from 4PM to 12AM.

Tuesday, April 1, 9 P.M. : Jackson Browne in concert. At the Teatro Nazionale (Piazza Piemonte 20 - tel. 02.48.00.77.00). Admission: € 42,50-39,50-27,50. Info and reservations : Teatro Nazionale 02.48.00.77.00; infoline 02.54.274; Circuito Box Tickets tel. 02.39.32.27.37; reservations on line.

Tuesday, April 1, 9 P.M. : the Cradle of Filth live. Alcatraz (Via Valtellina, 25 - tel. 02.69.01.84.38). Admission: € 23,00.

Monday, April 7, 9 P.M. : the Guano Apes in concert. Admission: € 17,00. Info: tel. 02.69.01.84.38.

Tuesday, April 15, 9 P.M. : an evening with the Darkane, the Death Angel, the Malevolent Creation, the Nuclear Assault, and the Testament. Info: tel. 02.69.01.84.38.

Wednesday, April 16, 9 P.M. : the Asian Dub Foundation. Info: tel. 02.69.01.84.38.

Thursday, April 17, 9 P.M. : the Calexico live. Info: tel. 02.69.01.84.38.

Monday, April 7, 9:15 P.M. : the Teatro Strehler (Largo Greppi - tel. 02.72.333.222) presents "Il Battito del Tempo", featuring the Civica Jazz Band and the Time Percussion, conducted by Enrico Intra. Info: Teatro Strehler.

Monday, April 7, 8 P.M. : jazz concert featuring the Enrico Rava Quartet. Teatro Degli Arcimboldi (Via dell'Innovazione, at the Bicocca district) the new theatre, with 2,400 seats, where La Scala's performances will be held until January 2004. In the mean time, the famous La Scala Opera Theatre is undergoing major restoration work. Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Monday, April 7, 9 P.M. : live jazz with the Duo Cappelletti-Visibelli. Auditorium di Milano, (Corso San Gottardo - tel. 02.83.38.94.02/03). Tickets can be purchased at Milan Tourist Office (Via Marconi 1 - tel. 02- 72.00.42.68) open from Monday to Friday 10 A.M.- 6 P.M.; Saturday and Sunday 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. ; 2 P.M.- 5 P.M.; or by calling 02.833.892 (10 A.M. - 7 P.M.).

Saturday, April 12, 9 P.M. : the Stratovarious in concert at the Mazda Palace (Via Sant'Elia 33- tel. 02.33.400.551). Admission: € 26,00. Info and reservations: tel. 02.33.400.551.

Monday, April 14 and Tuesday April 15 : the Italian rock singer Ligabue in concert. Admission: € 30,00-35,00-40,00. Info and reservations: tel. 02.33.400.551.

Monday, April 14, 8 P.M. : the Interpol live. Transilvania Live (Via Paravia, 59 - tel. 02.40.36.299).

Tuesday, April 15, 9 P.M. : the Italian singer and composer Angelo Branduardi in concert. Admission € 34,50-28,80. Teatro Smeraldo (Piazza XXV Aprile 10 - tel.02.29.00.67.67). Info/reservations : Teatro Smeraldo; Box Tickets tel. 02.39.32.27.37; on line reservations. Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775.

Friday, April 18, 9 P.M. : Noa live. Admission: € 33,00-27,50. Info/reservations : Teatro Smeraldo; Box Tickets tel. 02.39.32.27.37; on line reservations. Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775.

Tuesday, April 15, 9 P.M. : the FilaForum di Assago (Via di Vittor Pisani - Assago - tel. 02.48.85.71) presents the Subsonica. Info and reservations: Filaforum.

Thursday, May 8, 9 P.M. : Peter Gabriel in concert. Info and reservations: Filaforum.

Saturday, May 10, 9 P.M. : Massive Attack live. Info and reservations: Filaforum.

Friday, May 16, 9 P.M. : Marc Knopfler in concert. Info and reservations: Filaforum.

Saturday, May 31, 9 P.M. : the Deep Purple live. Info and reservations: Filaforum.

THEATRE, MUSICAL, DANCE and MOVIES

From Friday, April 4, until Thursday, April 17 : musical - "Saturday Night Fever". Starring Sebastien Torkia as Tony Manero. Music by the Bee Gees. Choreographer: J. Rogers. Director: M.R. Piparo. At the Teatro Nazionale (Piazza Piemonte 20 - tel. 02.48.00.77.00). Hours: every day 8.45 PM; Sunday, 4 PM; Monday closed. Admission: € 37,50-31,00-21,00. Info and reservations : Teatro Nazionale 02.48.00.77.00; infoline 02.54.274; Circuito Box Tickets tel. 02.39.32.27.37; reservations on line.

Thursday, April 17, 8 P.M. : dance performance - "La Bisbetica Domata". Starring Alessandra Ferri and Maximiliano Guerra. Choreography by J. Cranko. Music by Kurt-Heinz Stolze from Scarlatti's original music. Director: D. Coleman. Performances: April 18, 19, 22, 23, and 24. Teatro Degli Arcimboldi (Via dell'Innovazione, at the Bicocca district) the new theatre, with 2,400 seats, where La Scala's performances will be held until January 2004. In the mean time, the famous La Scala Opera Theatre is undergoing major restoration work. Info/tickets: Infotel Scala 02.72.003.744 (9AM-6PM); ticket office Via Filodrammatici 2 (Mon-Sat 12-6 P.M.); Automatic reservation Service: 02.860.775. Tickets for the Teatro degli Arcimboldi may be purchased at the ATM point in the Duomo underground station (open every day from 12PM to 6 PM).

Original language movies: English movies are played every Monday at the Cinema Anteo (Via Milazzo 9, tel. 02.65.97.732); every Tuesday at the Arcobaleno Film Center (Viale Tunisia 11, tel. 02.29.40.60.54) and every Thursday at the Cinema Mexico (Via Savona 57, tel. 02.48.95.18.02). Hours: 1 P.M.; 3.10 P.M.; 5.20 P.M.; 7.40 P.M.; 10 P.M. Admission: € 5,17; reduced (under 18 and students) € 3,62. Programmes are available at the Azienda Promozione Turistica (Via Marconi 1) and at movie theatres Anteo, Mexico and Arcobaleno.

April 1, Tuesday, April 3 : "Chicago" by R. Marshall. Starring: R. Gere.

Monday, April 7, Tuesday 8, Thursday, 10 : "Catch me if you can" by Steven Spielberg. Starring: L. Di Caprio and T. Hanks.

Monday, April 14, Tuesday 15, Thursday, 17 : "Analyze That" by H. Ramis. Starring: R. De Niro.

Monday, April 28, Tuesday 29 : "Punch-Drunk Love" by T. Anderson. Starring: E. Watson.

index --- EXHIBITIONS

Through Sunday, April 6 : "Between Arcady and Illuminism in Lombardy: Francesco Londonio's studies collection". Pinacoteca di Brera (Via Brera 28, tel. 02.89.42.11.46). Admission: Euro 6,20 (ticket includes a visit to the main gallery). Hours: closed mon; Tue-Sun 8.30 A.M.- 8 P.M.; Sat 8.30 A.M.- 11 P.M. Info: tel.02.89.01.35.72.

Through Sunday, April 27 : "Giò Ponti: A World", on display 400 objects designed by the famous Italian architect. Palazzo della Triennale (Viale Alemagna 6 - tel. 02.72.43.41). Hours: closed Monday ; every day 10 A.M.- 8 P.M. Admission: € 7,00.

Through Sunday, June 29 : "Nanni Strada: abitare l'abito" featuring Strada's fashion creations. Hours: closed Monday ; every day 10 A.M.- 8 P.M. Free admission.

Through Saturday, June 30 : "Fuori Serie", on display several unique pieces realized by several famous Italian designers. Hours: closed Monday ; every day 10 A.M.- 8 P.M. Admission: € 7,00.

Through Sunday, July 27 : "Asfalto. Il carattere della città", featuring urban studies and projects. Palazzo della Triennale (Viale Alemagna 6 - tel. 02.72.43.41). Hours: closed Monday ; every day 10 A.M.- 8 P.M. Admission: € 7,00.

Through the end of April : "Vita e Morte. Uomini e Dei della Magna Grecia nella collezione Lagioia", on display beautiful ancient Greek and Roman pieces belonging to the Lagioia family's collection, recently donated to the museum. Museo Archeologico - Archeological Museum (Corso Magenta, 15 - tel. 02.80.53.972). Free admission. Hours: 9 A.M.- 5:30 P.M.; closed Monday. Brochure in Japanese and English available for € 1.

Through Sunday, May 4 : "Squali" ("Sharks") featuring under water projections, life-size models, photos and other material edited by documentarist Alberto Luca Recchi.Spazio Arengario (Piazza Duomo). Admission: € 8; free for children aged 0-5. Hours: 9,30 AM-7 PM; closed Monday.

Through Monday, May 5 : "Il Novecento milanese. Da Sironi a Arturo Marini", featuring works by the Italian masters of the 20th century. Spazio Oberdan (Via Vittorio Veneto, 2). Hours: closed Monday, other days 10AM-7.30PM; on Tue. and Thu. open until 10PM.

Through May 18 : "Chen Zhen. Between East and West: Installations and Drawings", featuring works belonging to the artist's family private collection. Pac - Padiglione d'arte contemporanea (Via Palestro 14 -tel. 02.78.33.30. Hours: Thu 9.30 A.M.- 10 P.M.; other days 9:30 A.M.- 7 P.M. Closed Mon. Admission: Euro 5,20; reduced Euro 2,6.

Through May 18 : "Dalle Piramidi ad Alessandro Magno a Milano", showcases archeological findings from the Pharaohs' time. Biblioteca via Senato, 14 (tel. 02.54.27.26). Hours: 10AM-6PM; closed Monday. Admission: € 5.

Through Sunday, July 6: the Palazzo Reale (Piazzetta Reale - Piazza del Duomo) hosts "Amedeo Modigliani". Admission: Euro 9. Hours: closed Monday; every day 10 A.M.- 8 P.M. Thu. open until 11 P.M. Info: 02-89.95.00.00.1.

Through Sunday, June 1 : photo show - "Acqua", featuring color pictures by the American photographer Mike Goldwater. Hours: Tue.- Sun. 10 A.M. - 8 P.M. Admission: € 6,50. Through Wednesday, February 16 : The Palazzo Reale hosts . Admission: Euro 9; reduced Euro 8. Hours: closed Monday. every day 9:30 A.M.- 7 P.M. Thu, Fri 9:30 A.M.- 11 P.M. Info: 02.65.97.728. Reservation in required: call 02-89015330.

Through Sunday, September 7 : Palazzo dell'Arengario (Piazza Duomo, 12) hosts a photo show by the Italian photo journalist Roberto Cagnoni. Info: 02.66.94.278.

PRIVATE GALLERIES

From Thursday, April 3 to Wednesday, April 16 : photo show - Colour reportage on Milanese street children by Teresa Carreno. Galleria Grazia Neri (Via Maroncelli, 14 - tel. 02.62.52.71). Free admission. Hours: Sunday closed; 9.30AM - 1PM/2.30PM-6PM

Through Sunday, April 6 : photo show - "Alberto Rizzo". Galleria Carla Sozzani (Corso Como, 10 - tel. 02.65.35.31). Free. Hours: closed Monday.

From Wednesday April 9 to Sunday, May 4 : photo show - "Shiro Kuramata".

From Wednesday, May 14 to Sunday, June 1 : "World Press Photo 2003", on display a selection of the best pictures presented at the World Press Photo Contest 2003.

Through Friday, April 11 : "Mario Nigro. La rarefazione del segno", featuring works by the Italian artist. Arte Studio Invernizzi (Via Scarlatti, 12 - tel. 02.29.40.28.55). Free admission. Hours: 10AM-1PM/3PM-/PM.

Through Saturday, April 12 : the Galleria Ciocca (Via del Lauro, 8) presents "Monika Bravo: Itineraries", featuring videos by the Colombian artist. Hours: Tue-Sat. 2PM-7.30PM. Free.

Until Monday, April 14 : photo show - "Eleganza: momenti rubati", backstage photos taken by Gerard Uferas during fashion shows in Paris and Milan. Galleria Aldai (Via Larga, 31).

Through Saturday, April 19 : the Galleria Cardi (Piazza Sant'Erasmo, 3) shows works by contemporary artists such as Bertozzi& Casoni, Greg Colson, Wim Delvoye and others. Hours: Mon. and Sun. closed; other days 9.30AM-12.30PM/3.30PM-/7.30PM. Free.

Through the end of April : "Andreas Slominsky" featuring works by the German artist. Fondazione Prada (Via Fogazzaro, 36 - tel. 02.54.67.05.15. Hours: 10AM-7PM; closed Mon

Through Saturday, May 31 : "Aldo Carpi and Francesco Messina. Maestri del Sacro", a tribute to two great contemporary masters. The exhibition also features works by Manzù, Bodini, Funi, Longaretti and other Italian artists. Galleria d'Arte Sacra dei Contemporanei (Villa Clerici, Via Terruggia,14). Admission: € 5. Hours: 14PM-5PM.

Through Sunday, June 30 : the Natural History Museum - at the Serre di Palazzo Dugnani - presents "Volcanoes".