This weekend, a six-member band brings to Mumbai’s shores the flavours and sounds from southern Italy
(From left) Vincenzo Racioppi, Michelangelo Nusco, Antonino Anastasia, Marcello Squillante, Bruno Belardi and Gianluca Fusco of Ars Nova Napoli perform during a previous concert
Maradona, pizza and Mount Vesuvius are the first things that pop into this writer’s mind when they think of Napoli — the city at the southern tip of Italy. While Maradona might never visit Mumbai again, a taste of the city’s culture and music will be part of the restaurant CinCin’s first Alfresco Tunes weekend this Sunday. In association with Jodhpur RIFF, the six-member band of Ars Nova Napoli led by Marcello Squillante and featuring Bruno Belardi, Michelangelo Nusco, Antonino Anastasia, Vincenzo Racioppi and Gianluca Fusco will take stage to perform music that dives into the folk roots of Campania.
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“We started playing in the streets of Napoli many years ago. We have been playing together for over 14 years now, and basically grew up as musicians and friends,” says accordionist and singer Marcello Squillante. The name of the band translates to new art. Since their founding, they have travelled the world introducing the unique art of street music from Napoli.
“More than Neapolitan music [in the city, music has been led by authors and songwriters from the 19th century], the folk music we play comes from neighbouring areas and the Campania region. The local folk come from the small towns around Vesuvius volcano; its music mixes ancient pagan rituals with the Christian and then, the Catholic calendar. The main instrument is the Tammorra, a homemade-frame drum,” he explains.
While everyone knows the magic of songs such as O sole mio or Torna a surriento, since it was popularised by Elvis Presley, the musical form that the group identifies with is the tarantella and tammorriata. Fast with an upbeat tempo, the music captures the passion and energy of their Italian city. The singer points out, “Our region is a powerful mix of passion and devotion to life. We experience this every time we make our concert, and we are sure that the energy of this music will be very attractive for Indian people.”
To complement this music, the restaurant will be serving a fare that reflects the culture of the city led by the iconic Neapolitan pizza. Guests can also try from a menu that includes spaghetti pescatora, polpette and calamarata tenderloin ragu to truly immerse themselves in the culture.
As for Squillante and Ars Nova Napoli, the group believes there is much to share with the city of Mumbai. “We identify Mumbai as a southern city just like our Napoli. We can easily share with you the concept of being under the same ideal lines, not only weather-wise but also because of a historical colonial past,”
he concludes.
ON October 22; 5 pm to 7 pm
AT CinCin, Raheja Towers, near Dena Bank, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East.
LOG ON TO @cincinindia
CALL 8355870000
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