An Italian soiree will take place at Sidi Bou Said, in the splendid Palace Ennejma Ezzahra, on June 21 on the occasion of the “Festa della Musica”, a concert by the Ensemble Partenope, with Salvatore Morra. The Italian Cultural Institute in Tunis and the Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music will perform in the beautifully restored building which was the residence of the French musicologist and painter Rodolphe d’Erlanger. Serenata Napolitana – Musiche dal Barocco Italiano and Rêverie Napolitaine, are in the programme of music and dances from the Italian 18th century to the elite “romance” in Neapolitan language. The Ensemble Partenope (Maria Ercolano, soprano – Claudia Liccardi, flute – Agostino Oliviero, mandolin and violin – Salvatore Morra, guitar) has been set up recently and is guided by Salvatore Morra, a renowned Neapolitan guitarist and lute player. Morra is also known for his recent publication, with Iuppiter, of an essay on Arab music entitled “The Magical Lute”. He received the “Domenico Rea” award for music in 2011. Besides performing in concerts, Mr Morra is a scholar of the Islam Arab world and of the ud (Arab Lute), based in Tunis where he works with Maestro Kanel Gharbi. “Serenata Napoletana” is part of the festival of spiritual music “Les Nuits d’Ennejma Ezzahra” in Sidi Bou Said 17-22 June.