La musica della tradizione @ Montclair State University

(February 02, 2014)

Teatro delle Albe. A Presentation/Workshop on Sicilian Music Tradition Revisited led by Enzo and Lorenzo Mancuso. In collaboration with the John J. Cali School of Music and the Global Education Center at Montclair State University

In this presentation/workshop, Enzo and Lorenzo Mancuso will share a variety of stories and anecdotes as well as vocal and instrumental techniques to investigate the expressiveness of traditional Sicilian songs in relation to contemporary theatre and music. In the first part (11:30am-12:45pm) the Manucos will play samples of compositions that have marked their international career in music, theatre and film, and illustrate how their musical experience lies between the evocation of ancient Mediterranean cultures and innovative research.

In the second part (1-2pm) they will concentrate on two specific Sicilian songs and walk the students through a focused appreciation and experience. Essentially, the presentation/workshop is the occasion for an intimate search in which the traditional song becomes one’s own song through the narration of personal feelings. Open to all students at Montclair State University, and especially those of the Cali School and the Italian program, each of the program's two parts can be attended separately. The presentation/workshop will be held in English and interspersed with Italian and Sicilian words.

About Enzo and Lorenzo Mancuso

The Mancuso brothers [2], Enzo and Lorenzo, are originally from the Sicilian province of Caltanissetta. In the mid-1970s, they emigrated to London where they worked for eight years in the metal industry, while keeping the old musical traditions from Sicily alive in contact with various musical environments (jazz, pop). In 1981, they returned to Italy and now reside in Umbria. One of the crucial moments in their career was the encounter with Joaquin Diaz, a Spanish musician with whom they recorded the two CDs Nesci Maria and Romancese se Alla y de Aca. Film director Anthony Minghella used parts of their CD Bella Maria for the soundtrack of the film The Talented Mr. Ripley, where the Mancusos also appear as actors.

As for theater, they have worked with Emma Dante for the opera Medea and for Teatro delle Albe. Their song “Accussi Va La Barca Al Mari” is included in the CD Italian Musical Odyssey by the Putumayo World Music label. Their live concert La voce nuda (The Naked V‌oice) was recorded by Radio France. The Mancusos have performed in numerous countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Monday, February 3, 2014

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (break: 12:50-1 PM)

Leshowitz Hall, Cali School of Music

Montclair State University

RSVP required: click here [3]