Why “Maggio” (May)? Its roots can be found in the ancient Florentine tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring each year with festivals, music and singing. These public celebrations, which took place in early May, were called the Cantar Maggio, and are aptly reproduced and commemorated with the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the oldest opera and symphonic festival in Europe together with those in Bayreuth and Salzburg, and the oldest in Italy. Since 1986, the orchestra’s conductor has been the great Zubin Mehta, who now holds the title of principal conductor emeritus. Those who have attended in the past know there is no better way to celebrate the season of renewal than through music.