Neapolis 2500 by Ars Nova Napoli Sounds of Southern Italy

Neapolis 2500, a captivating concert by the dynamic ensemble Ars Nova Napoli, brings the vibrant soul of Southern Italy to Mumbai in a special celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Italian city of Naples. Presented by the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in association with the Royal Opera House, Mumbai and Avid Learning.

This acclaimed Nu Folk ensemble brings the rhythms and spirit of southern Italy to Mumbai in a concert that bridges tradition and innovation. Drawing from centuries-old folk songs and diverse Mediterranean influences, their sound is both rooted and contemporary, a living expression of cultural memory and artistic reinvention.

Breaking free from stylistic conventions, they blend Italian folk with echoes from across the Mediterranean with layered harmonies, rich instrumental interplay, and infectious energy that draws in audiences across cultures and generations. The ensemble features Marcello Squillante (Vocals, Accordion), Michelangelo Nusco (Violin, Trumpet, Mandolin), Vincenzo Racioppi (Mandolin, Charango), Gianluca Fusco (Vocals, Guitar, Diatonic Accordion, Gaita), Antonino Anastasia (Frame Drums), and Bruno Belardi (Double Bass). Together, they revive folk music’s enduring role as a celebration of community and shared emotion.

Join us for a stirring musical sojourn, festive, heartfelt, and unmistakably Neapolitan.

Italian Music in India
India, with its own vast traditions of classical and folk expression, has always welcomed global cultural influences. Italian music has found a unique resonance here, particularly through opera and Western classical concerts. Performances of Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s La Traviata have graced stages in Mumbai and Delhi, often introduced through collaborations with international cultural institutes and embassies. In addition, Italian musicians and ensembles such as the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano and chamber groups have performed in India, bringing Western classical repertoire to appreciative audiences.These events embody a cultural exchange that transcends performance, offering Indian audiences fresh modes of storytelling and artistic expression while resonating with their own traditions of narrative music, from Hindustani ragas to regional folk ballads.

The Heartbeat of Neapolitan Folk Music

Folk music is the soul of a culture, expressing history, community, and shared feeling. Neapolitan folk music, originating in southern Italy, is one of Europe's most intriguing traditions. It emerges from local festivals, markets, and coastal towns, reflecting Naples' everyday existence through songs of love, longing, and resilience.

This music is readily recognisable for its upbeat rhythms, poetic lyrics, and distinctive instruments like the mandolin, accordion, tambourine, and frame drums. Beyond its particular appeal, Neapolitan folk have absorbed different Mediterranean influences like Greek, Spanish, and Balkan, resulting in a rich musical tapestry. It has evolved over time while remaining true to its beginnings, making it both a cultural heritage and a living art form.

The Masters of Neapolitan Folk Music

The origins of Neapolitan folk music date back centuries, rooted in regional songs like the tarantella and villanelle. The Canzone Napoletana (Neapolitan Song), which gave the world timeless hits like "O Sole Mio" and "Funiculì Funiculà," is one of the most recognizable genres to come out of Naples.

Several legendary artists have carried this tradition across generations:

•Roberto Murolo – Often called the “voice of Naples,” he revived Neapolitan songs in the 20th century.

•Renato Carosone – Known for his playful fusion of jazz and traditional sounds, making Neapolitan music popular worldwide.

•Sergio Bruni – Celebrated for his deep, emotional interpretations of Neapolitan classics.

•Massimo Ranieri – A modern torchbearer of Neapolitan songs, blending folk authenticity with contemporary style.

These artists helped transform local street songs into an international cultural phenomenon. Today, their influence continues to inspire musicians globally, ensuring that Neapolitan folk remains a vibrant part of world music heritage.