23 April-23 June 2004. Mozarts Idomeneo is the second opera directed by Graham Vick in this festival; it goes on stage at the Teatro alla Pergola, 23 May-3 June. The next opera in the programme is the Dallapiccola diptych Volo di notte/Il prigioniero conducted by Bruno Bartoletti (8-14 June). See Opera.

Although this edition of the Florentine festival is less extensive than in the past, it sees the return of some lost traditions, such as the inclusion of contemporary music. Another welcome comeback is the presence of important guest orchestras, including the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai and the La Scala Filarmonica conducted by Riccardo Muti; they join the resident Orchestra del Maggio, led by Zubin Metha, in an interesting symphonic programme. And as always, there is space for recitals and chamber music, with Arcadi Volodos, Alexander Torazde, and Viktoria Mullova to look out for. The somewhat meagre dance programme features the Tokyo Ballet and MaggioDanza, headed by its new director, Giorgio Mancini.