The “Nicola Sala” State Conservatory of Music of Benevento brings the ancient liturgical chants of the Beneventan tradition to Carnegie Hall.
The extraordinary tradition of Beneventan chants arrives for the first time in New York with a two-day event organized by the “Nicola Sala” Conservatory of Music (Benevento) on November 19 and 20, 2024.
The project is titled “Voices of Heritage: From Beneventan Manuscripts to Modern Music, Through the Lens of Innovation” and celebrates the legacy of the ancient chants documented in Beneventan manuscripts, with a focus on their evolution into contemporary music. A unique opportunity—not only for the Italian community—that will allow attendees to discover the richness of Beneventan Chant, dating back to the 7th-8th century.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, a discussion on the manuscripts will be held at the Italian Institute of Culture, moderated by musicology professor Luisa Nardini from The University of Texas, Austin. The workshop will feature: Caterina Meglio, President of the Benevento Conservatory “Nicola Sala,” and Giuseppe Ilario, Director of the institution; Pierpaolo Limone, Rector of Pegaso University; Debra Lacoste, McGill University; and Maestro Giovanna Riboli, Director of the Schola Cantorum “Nicola Sala.”
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Schola Cantorum “Nicola Sala” will perform at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Maestro Giovanna Riboli. The event will be led by theater actress Daria D’Aloia, who will guide the audience through the different stages of the recital, enriching the experience with insights into the historical and cultural context of the performed pieces. The musical program will include monophonic liturgical chants transcribed directly from 11th-century sources.
“We are extremely proud to bring to New York for the first time the mystery and beauty of Beneventan Chant, one of the oldest and most precious testimonies of our musical heritage. These New York days not only celebrate a timeless cultural legacy but also provide an opportunity to reflect on the power of music to unite cultures and generations,” says Caterina Meglio, President of the Conservatory of Benevento.
“The performance of the Schola Cantorum ‘Nicola Sala’ on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, Carnegie Hall, is an immense honor and a milestone that demonstrates the work and excellence of our Conservatory. This project represents not only a unique opportunity to share the invaluable value of the Beneventan musical tradition with an international audience, but also a confirmation of the quality and talent that our institution nurtures every day,” adds Giuseppe Ilario, Director of the Conservatory of Benevento.
THE CHOIR – Directed by Giovanna Riboli, the choir is composed of students from the Conservatory and focuses on rediscovering and performing sacred and secular music, with particular attention to Beneventan chant. Under her direction, the choir has participated in numerous concerts and festivals, both nationally and internationally, and is known for its brilliant interpretations and the profound expressiveness of its performances. The choir is particularly appreciated for its commitment to enhancing and promoting the heritage of medieval liturgical music.
THE PROJECT – Led by the Conservatory of Music of Benevento in collaboration with the Conservatory of Campobasso and Pegaso University, the project aims to strengthen the international strategy of two higher artistic and musical education institutions in southern Italy (AFAM), renowned for their contribution to Italian musical heritage. Pegaso University will play a strategic role in digitizing the Beneventan manuscripts, making them available online to both expert scholars and the general public.
