The Performance

A musical journey through tradition, innovation and social commitment, driven by the relentless heartbeat of the tambourine, celebrates fifty years of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (CGS)—the longest-established and most influential ensemble in the history of Puglian folk music—with CGS 50 · IL MITO.

Founded in February 1975 by the writer Rina Durante, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Salento, while contributing decisively to the international recognition of pizzica.

The performance takes its title from the celebrated song written by Rina Durante and set to music by Daniele Durante, two of the key figures behind the foundation of the ensemble and the revival of Puglia's musical traditions.

More than a concert, CGS 50 · IL MITO is a landmark artistic event retracing over five decades of creative research, celebrating the fertile dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression that has always defined the ensemble's distinctive musical identity.

The Artists

On stage is the ensemble's current line-up, led by Mauro Durante, whose artistic direction has guided more than fifteen years of international success.

The group features Alessia Tondo, Giulio Bianco, Giancarlo Paglialunga, Emanuele Licci, Massimiliano Morabito and Silvia Perrone, joined by the electronic duo Inude and two founding members: Roberto Licci, one of the most distinctive voices of the Griko musical tradition, and Rossella Pinto, who was among the ensemble's leading performers for more than three decades.

The Concert

The performance embodies the dynamic dialogue between tradition and contemporary creativity that has become the hallmark of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. Deeply rooted in the musical heritage of Salento, its sound embraces new artistic languages while remaining faithful to its cultural origins.

At its heart lies a contemporary reinterpretation of the ritual traditions associated with the pizzica tarantata—once linked to symbolic practices of healing through music, trance and dance in response to the legendary bite of the Taranta.

Pizziche, serenades, social commitment, memory and innovation merge into a single, compelling musical flow, sustained by the irresistible pulse of the tambourine. The result is a performance that speaks powerfully to contemporary audiences while remaining deeply connected to the cultural roots from which it was born.

This concert forms part of Armonie del Mediterraneo – Viaggi, Miti e Ritorni, conceived and presented by the Euro-Mediterranean Cultural Heritage Agency in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecce, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Tourism under the National Tourism Fund (FUNT) – 2025 Current Expenditure Programme (CUP F89I25002020001).