A musical journey through tradition, innovation and social commitment, driven by the relentless pulse of the tambourine, CGS 50 · IL MITO celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (CGS), the longest-established and most influential ensemble dedicated to the traditional music of Puglia.
Founded in February 1975 by writer Rina Durante, the group has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Salento, helping transform pizzica from a regional folk tradition into an internationally recognised musical phenomenon.
The concert takes its title from the celebrated song IL MITO, with lyrics by Rina Durante and music by Daniele Durante, two figures whose vision was instrumental in the creation of the ensemble and in the revival of Apulian traditional music.
More than a concert, CGS 50 · IL MITO is a celebration of over fifty years of artistic research, highlighting the dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation that has always defined the identity of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. Deep-rooted folk traditions are brought into conversation with contemporary musical languages, creating a performance that honours the past while embracing the present.
The artists
Taking to the stage is the ensemble's current line-up, internationally acclaimed for more than fifteen years under the artistic direction of Mauro Durante.
The group features Alessia Tondo, Giulio Bianco, Giancarlo Paglialunga, Emanuele Licci, Massimiliano Morabito and Silvia Perrone.
Joining them are the electronic duo Inude, together with two founding members of the ensemble: Roberto Licci, one of the most distinguished voices of the Griko musical tradition, and Rossella Pinto, who was a leading member of the group for more than three decades.
Music rooted in tradition, looking to the future
The performance embodies the powerful dialogue between tradition and contemporary creativity that lies at the heart of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino's artistic identity.
At its centre is a contemporary reinterpretation of the ritual traditions associated with pizzica tarantata, once connected with symbolic practices of healing through music, dance and trance in response to the legendary bite of the taranta.
Pizziche, serenades, social commitment, collective memory and musical innovation merge into a single, compelling soundscape sustained by the irresistible rhythm of the tambourine, creating a performance that speaks powerfully to contemporary audiences while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
The concert forms part of the programme of Armonie del Mediterraneo – Viaggi, Miti e Ritorni, conceived and promoted by the Euro-Mediterranean Cultural Heritage Agency, in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecce, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Tourism through the National Tourism Fund (FUNT) – 2025 Current Expenditure Programme (Project Code CUP F89I25002020001).
C.F.93069360753 Lecce 03/06/2003 - P.IVA 03774820751 Lecce 17/02/2004
Iscr. Cost. Reg. delle Persone Giuridiche del 04/08/2006 - Certificato Iso 9001 nr. 50 100 8678
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