The “La Notte della Taranta” Popular Orchestra—official ambassador of pizzica worldwide—performed two concerts titled “Rhythm and Passion of Puglia,” organised by the Italian Embassy in Skopje and the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Kumanovo and Chair (Skopje).
The first concert took place on 17 September at the Cultural Centre of Kumanovo, and the second on 18 September at the Albanian National Theatre in Skopje. Both events were preceded by a speech from Ambassador Andrea Silvestri, who recalled the origins of this ancient tradition and the significance of the Popular Orchestra, which promotes and enhances the musical tradition of Salento, attracting over 200,000 spectators to Puglia each year.
The hypnotic and driving rhythm of the tambourine and the evocative power of the songs of love, struggle, and work transported the audience on an emotional journey through the history and traditions of Salento, a crossroads of different peoples and cultures.
The beauty of traditional music was brought to life through sounds and dances by singers Enza Pagliara and Giancarlo Paglialunga, accompanied by musicians Nico Berardi (wind instruments), Gianluca Longo (mandola), Antonio Marra (drums), Mario Esposito (bass), Alessandro Chiga and Carlo De Pascali (tambourine), Attilio Turrisi (chitarra battente), and Bruno Galeone (accordion), under the direction of anthropologist and mandolinist Peppo Grassi. The live performance was further enriched by the captivating dances of Lucia Scarabino and Stefano Campagna, who brought the vibrant and engaging energy of pizzica to the stage.
