Cantu a tenòre (or canto a tenore in Italian) is a style of polyphonic folk singing characteristic of Sardinia. The word tenore, refers in this case to the actual style of folk singing, and not to the tenor as a singer. It is traditionally practised by groups of four male singers standing in a close circle. Each singer has a different role (solo voice, mezzotono, counter and bass). Instrumentalist do often join the cantu a tenore playing the launeddas (a typical Sardinian woodwind instrument made of three pipes), tambourines and other traditional instruments.
The Tenores di Neoneli, one of the most famous ensemble of cantu a tenòre, will be taking the audience to a journey back in time, a feast of unique sounds and harmonies, ancestral traditions and original interpretations. The group was founded in 1976 by Tonino Cau, its artistic director, and have been performing for over 40 years all over the world; they have collaborated with acclaimed national
and international artists.
The ensemble playing in Edinburgh will be as follows:
Tonino Cau – chorister, founder and artistic director, bass.
Roberto Dessì – chorister, counter.
Ivo Marras – chorister, mezzavoce, skilful player of triangle
Angelo Piras – chorister, lead voice
Orlando and Eliseo Mascia – instrumentalists
The concert is part of the first visit of H.E. Ambassador Raffaele Trombetta in Scotalnd
BY INVITATION ONLY