'Sicily is a Woman' at the IAM

(L-R) Anthony Lanni, Laura Campisi and Italian American Museum founder and President Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa (Photo by New York Scugnizzo)

Last Thursday (March 29, 2012) I had the great pleasure of attending Sicilian vocalist Laura Campisi's intriguing presentation, "Sicily is a Woman: The Story of Sicily in Words and Music" at the Italian American Museum in Manhattan's historic Little Italy. Using copious examples from history, folklore and her personal life, Laura passionately described the important role women have played throughout the ages in all facets of Sicilian society. She discussed a variety of topics ranging from the prevalence of the Marian cult in Southern Italy to the rights afforded women in 1231 under Emperor Federico II di Svevia, as codified in his Liber Augustalis or Constitutions of Melfi.

Weaving music into her lecture she performed several Sicilian standards, including 'A curuna, Lu venniri santu and, of course, Amuri ca di notti, a heartrending lament about a weeping woman's anguish over her arranged marriage. I was especially impressed by her masterful interpretation of Vota Navi, a traditional song about a beautiful woman held for ransom by Saracen pirates. In it her husband declares that it would be better to pay the ransom and be broke than to have money and be without his wife.

No lecture about Sicilian women and music would be complete without paying homage to the legendary Rosa Balistreri (1927-1990), the "Voice of Sicily." Laura spoke glowingly of the Sicilian diva and the influence Balistreri's music had on her own development as a singer. She sang Rosa canta e cunta in her honor.

She closed the event with an original composition inspired by a cherished childhood memory called, La casa del pepe (The House of the Pepper). The touching ballad recalls an intimate moment with her mother among the fragrant peppers in their garden. It's certain to become a classic.

Accompanying Laura on guitar was Anthony Lanni, a very talented young musician specializing in Brazilian music with ancestral roots from Cassino, Italy. I was surprised to learn that Anthony never played Sicilian music before and that the duo had only one rehearsal under their belt prior to the show. Considering their limited preparatory work together, they played with a familiarity and rapport that only truly gifted musicians can pull off. We're going to have to keep our eyes open for future performances from this talented guitarist.

Anyone interested in learning more about this up-and-coming artist should visit his website at anthonylanni.com.

Laura will be performing again tomorrow night (Monday, April 2, 2012) at Ballarò Cafe (77 2nd Avenue in Manhattan), from 7PM to 9PM. She will sing favorites from her extensive repertoire of Sicilian and Neapolitan folk songs and jazz-folk fusion. I highly recommend going to this show; I was lucky enough to see her there a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. Ballarò Cafe is an excellent venue with great Sicilian fare (try the swordfish carpaccio!), a relaxed ambience and friendly staff. You won't be disappointed.