Pizzica Fever Sweeps Saint-Symphorian: Italian Folk Music Event a Resounding Success
Saint-Symphorian, France – A wave of infectious energy washed over the village of Saint-Symphorian last night as the Rural Foyer hosted a triumphant return performance by the Italian folk music group, Tutti Quanti. Despite challenging weather forcing the event indoors, the village hall was overflowing with enthusiastic attendees eager to experience the captivating rhythms of pizzica, a traditional music style hailing from the Puglia region of southern Italy. This event is a prime example of how local cultural experiences are driving engagement and community spirit – a trend archyde.com is closely following.
From Puglia to France: The Story of Tutti Quanti
The Rural Foyer welcomed a significantly larger crowd than anticipated, with officials ultimately having to turn people away due to capacity. This isn’t the first time Tutti Quanti has graced the stage in Saint-Symphorian; they previously performed in 2023 with a quartet of musicians. This year, the group expanded to eight members, led by musician Marc Lemonnier, a well-known figure in the Cévennes region.
At the heart of Tutti Quanti’s mission is a deep respect for the pizzica tradition. Lemonnier explained that the project was initially spearheaded by Sandro, a native of southern Italy, who passionately shared his knowledge of the music. When Sandro embarked on a journey of his own, traveling the world in his truck, the group faced the challenge of filling his shoes. They rose to the occasion, adding five talented singers and percussionists to their ranks.
What is Pizzica? A Deep Dive into Southern Italy’s Vibrant Music
Pizzica isn’t just music; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Originating in Puglia, it’s characterized by its incredibly fast-paced percussion and lively melodies. Historically, pizzica was believed to have healing powers, particularly for those bitten by the tarantola spider (hence the name, derived from the Italian word for spider, “tarantola”). The frenetic dance associated with the music was thought to induce a sweat that would draw out the venom. While the spider bite connection is largely folklore today, the energy and passion of pizzica remain undiminished.
Tutti Quanti’s performance featured approximately fifteen traditional songs, showcasing the breadth and depth of the pizzica repertoire. The ensemble’s instrumentation included Lemonnier on accordion and bouzouki, Brunelle Lemonnier on double bass, Stéphane with a diverse collection of harmonicas, and five other musicians playing tamburellos (frame drums), singing, and utilizing the bombo (a large bass drum).
An Unforgettable Evening and a Lasting Impression
The evening culminated in a moving a cappella performance, accompanied by Lemonnier’s accordion. A request for an encore led to the harmonica and double bass rejoining the singers, creating a truly unforgettable moment for the audience. The energy in the room was palpable, a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together.
The success of Tutti Quanti’s performance highlights the growing appetite for authentic cultural experiences. As communities seek connection and enrichment, events like this one serve as vital hubs for artistic expression and shared joy. For more breaking news and in-depth cultural coverage, stay tuned to archyde.com, your source for stories that matter.
For inquiries related to this event, contact the Midi Libre correspondent at 06 71 95 10 28.
