Tra musica, canti e danze

We would make a serious mistake if we considered the performances of the musical group Le Matrioske of simple folk music concerts. It is, in fact, a more complex and refined genre that "blends" popular melodies with traditional rhythms and dances. Attending a performance or listening to a piece by the musical group provokes an inevitable reflection on singing understood as a form of communication between peoples, on music as a means of expressing the roots (common and different) and on dance understood as instinctive and liberating gestures.
For some time now we have been wary of the expression "popular music" because it is used to identify a genre of "consumption" to which the songs belonging to the common tourist-commercial circuit belong or which represent banal stereotyped clichés with the outline of typical colorful costumes. Proceeding differently, along the path traced by the artists who referred to the historical Folk music revival, the search for the four young musicians reaches a skilful mix of styles that enhances and updates the vitality of the original rhythms. The result is called Bal-Folk and consists of a set of dances of popular origin (Polka, Mazurka, Scottish, Fandango ...) which draws on the different traditions of many European countries. The "timeless" repertoire of talented artists allows their interpretations to overcome geographical boundaries and language barriers. During the shows, to give a more complete picture to the public, musical instruments belonging to different traditions are shown and curious information is provided, but the most fascinating aspect is the participation in dances that involve and encourage socialization among all those present, without no distinction of age, geographical origin or social background.
Among the other activities carried out by "Le Matrioske" it is necessary to remember the introductory workshops of traditional dance and song made with passion and competence.
To grasp the artistic value, the commitment and the specific preparation of the musicians, it is enough to ascertain the qualitative level they have reached and appreciate the universal values ​​and feelings that emerge from the musical expressions coming from different and often distant geographical areas. While respecting its origins, cultural exchange with other countries of the world produces renewed creativity and makes mutual understanding between peoples easier.
During concerts Le Matrioske usually face only one of their three repertoires: Bedda Sicilia, 100% made in Sicily; Sicily & Bal Folk, Sicilian dances and dances of European bal folk; Balleria: European folk bal and "ballu festival" of Southern Italy.
The members of the musical group are: Ciccio Piras, voice, guitar, accordion, bass drum; Simona Ferrigno, percussion, voice, dance; Virginia Maiorana, accordion, voice; Roberta Miano, violin, banjolino, voice.
Sometimes the fiatista Antonio Puccio also plays with them, able to master various wind instruments ranging from Clarinet to Sax, as on the occasion of the recent performance organized by the Imago Cultural Association at the I.C. Laura Lanza by Carini. The eclectic band will perform again during a "Festa 'a Ballu" scheduled for the evening of next February 16 and organized by the Cooperation House near the small port of Sant'Erasmo, in Palermo.