Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power to highlight Italian National Day Celebrations

Masterclass

June 1, 2011, 2:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Concert

June 2, 2011, 8:15 PM

Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk

Ayala Center, Makati

Featuring:

Eugenio Bennato, band leader

Ezio Lambiase, classical and electric guitar

Valter Vivarelli, percussion

Sonia Totaro, vocals and dancer

Time flies so fast and before I knew it, it’s been almost a year since that memorable Uto Ughi concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. That concert was part of the Italian National Day celebrations by the Embassy of Italy and they were so generous to share that musical event with the public.

For this year’s Italian National Day celebration, they’re extending their generosity once again with yet another musical treat but of a different kind. This year, they are bringing to us Eugenio Bennato and the Taranta Power. Looking at the info I was able to gather about this group, it seems that their music is a mix of folk featuring traditional instruments like the mandolin, acoustic guitar and the tambourine with modern touches like the use of the heavily distorted electric guitar and the electronic bass drum. And just like what their name suggests, they highlight the Tarantella, the ritual dance of Southern Italy that the group is trying to revive. Now that’s quite a departure from last year’s music genre.

Nonetheless, those who are into this kind of music or even those who would want to expand their musical horizons (that would be me) will have two opportunities to catch this group. One is their performance at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk happening this June 2, 2011 at 8:15 PM. And the Italians are really generous since this concert is for free!

But before that on June 1, 2011 at 2:00 PM, Bennato and other members of the Taranta Power will also have a masterclass/clinic at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). In here, people can learn more about the kind of music that they play. I’m familiar with the Tarantella since I’ve encountered this kind of music in some classical compositions so I’m interested to see and hear more about this directly from them. And since the Tarantella is a dance, there also will be a dance demonstration during the masterclass. So those who are into dance will have something to learn as well. I do believe that this is an excellent way to get psyched for their Greenbelt 5 performance the next day. And yes, the masterclass is also for free.

I do like to expose myself to different kinds of music whether they’re music from the various parts of the Philippines or from the rest of the world. That’s why I do make it a point to grab opportunities such as this whenever they come my way.

Tickets:
Free admission