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The enchanting Michela Musolino
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I’m a firm believer that if the remnant of our community is to survive we need to participate in culturally relevant and edifying social gatherings to help strengthen our faith, family and community ties. Last Monday, I attended such an event at St. John’s University in Queens, New York organized by Prof. Gaetano Cipolla of Arba Sicula and Michela Musolino of Rosa Tatuata. Two titans of our community, Prof. Cipolla and Michela do an incredible job promoting Sicilian culture and folkways through literature, lectures, travel, dance, music and more.
To the delight of the audience, Room 416A in the D’Angelo Center was momentarily whisked away to the jewel of the Mediterranean, as Michela and Rosa Tatuata performed their heartfelt brand of Sicilian roots and folk music. The setlist included an array of traditional love songs and laments, including A’ Virrinedda, Mamma vi l'Haiu Persu lu Rispettu, O Nici, and Tiritera di Bagheria, a child's nursery rhyme about the Holy Family.
Halfway through their set, the band took a brief intermission so Prof. Cipolla could recite Nino Martoglio’s “Cummattimentu di Orlandu e Rinardu,” a poem written in Sicilian based on the epic duel between the Paladins Orlando and Rinaldo to conquer princess Angelica’s heart. It was recited dramatically in English by poet Stanley Barkan.
Visiting from Catania, Sicily, Maestri Giuseppe and Giovanni Bonaccorsi joined the band on stage to demonstrate their prowess in Santamaria, the ancient Sicilian art of short fencing. The brothers masterfully twirled their cudgels and fighting staffs while parrying their opponent's blows to the rhythm of the music.
Afterward, attendees mingled and enjoyed some complimentary refreshments. Copies of Prof. Cipolla’s many books about Sicily were also available for purchase.
It was an amazing night, which once again left me wondering why so many of our people are surrendering their time-honored traditions and culture for an atomistic, materialistic, and deracinated existence. We commend the efforts of Arba Sicula, Prof. Cipolla, Michela Musolino and all the other groups and individuals that promote our rich culture and identity. Your important work is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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| Prof. Gaetano Cipolla and just a few of the many books he has written and published about his beloved Sicily |
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| Rosa Tatuata enthralled the audience with their performance |
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| Michela used several types of frame drums during the performance |
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| (Above and below) Maestri Giuseppe and Giovanni Bonaccorsi demonstrate their martial prowess |
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| Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
