Tony Clayton-Leawith a round-up of shows in London, Florence and New York
London
Grand tour art The Adam Brothers in Romefeatures drawings from the grand tour that architects James and Robert Adam made of Italy in the 1750s to study classical architecture. Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields. Until February 14th, 2009. www.soane.org
Photography Beside the Seasideis a charming exhibition of photography of British coastal life from 1880 to 1950, featuring amateur and professional snaps. National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich. Until April 13th, 2009. www.nmm.ac.uk.
MusicTracy Chapman, in her first solo tour in more than a decade, performs for two nights at the Hammersmith Apollo to promote her latest album, Our Bright Future. December 15th and 16th. www.hammersmithapollo.net
Florence
CarnivalTaking place in the city and a number of nearby villages, the Worldwide Florentine Carnival is an opportunity to celebrate pre-Lenten ceremonies with music, poetry and art. Throughout February. www.invernoafirenze.it.
OperaAndrea Bocelli performs in Tuscany on July 18th. This is a fair bit away, but the advice is to book as early as possible. You can make your own way there or go as part of several package deals. www.andreabocelli.com.
New York
MusicalRight in time for the season that's in it, Irving Berlin's White Christmasis packing them in. Based on the 1954 movie, the aim of this is to provide festive cheer and singalong fun. Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway. Until January 4th. www.marquistheatre.com.
Photography Afghanistan, or Perils of Freedom: Photographs by Stephen Dupontcaptures the lives of ordinary Afghan people during extraordinary historical events. New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue. Until January 25th. www.nypl.org.