The music at the Chigiana is not to be missed on any trip to Siena. Concerts are usually very affordable--from 5 to 25 euro. The concert hall is so intimate that you breathe the music with the musicians. The eight young, superb cellists I saw in July played music ranging from Bach to 20th Century composers and every period in between. It was marvelous to experience the different styles of music and musicians. I also saw a stripped down (no sets, minimal costuming) of Paisiello's Barber of Seville, in the small theater in Siena's town hall. The vigor and enthusiasm of the young, gifted singers made this some of the best opera I have seen. Grand halls and the Verona arena are one thing, but I prefer the up close and personal experience of the Siena production. You can go in the courtyard for free and enjoy light fare at the cafe. In the summer, on many evenings, at 7, in the courtyard, there are free half hour performances given by students at the institute. Delightful. Be sure to enjoy the music at Chigiana.