Neapolitan music

A concert of Neapolitan music will be held at Sagrestia Vault, Valletta Waterfront, on Friday.

Soprano Marita Bezzina and tenor Joseph Aquilina will be accompanied on the piano by Ramona Zammit Formosa.

They will be performing some of the most memorable, popular and melodious Neapolitan songs including O Sole Mio, Chitarra Romana, I Ti Vurria Vasa, and Parlami d’Amore Mariu.

Originating from early 19th century Italian opera the Neapolitan songs have risen to great heights in popularity. The Neapolitan song consists of a romantic ballad and the first piece of the genre, Te Voglio Bene Assai, written by Raffaele Sacco, was sung at La Festa di Piedigrotta. This song, together with Santa Lucia, also a success in 1848, gave birth to a style which gained widespread recognition.

Since then, the Neapolitan song’s beguiling melodies and harmonic structure began to enrich the repertoire of singers of every trend. Singers like Caruso have given this genre its worldwide popularity.

‘Una Serata Napolitana, Neapolitan music at its best’, will be held at Sagrestia Vault, Valletta Waterfront. on May 4 at 8.30 p.m.

Refreshments will follow the concert. Tickets are €15. Reservations can be made by calling Barocco Cultural Events on 7968 0952 or e-mailing bookings@baroccomalta.com.