Tarantolati of Tricarico Honored for Preserving Lucanian Musical Heritage
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A distinguished musical group has been recognized for its decades-long commitment to safeguarding and promoting the unique musical traditions of Basilicata, Italy. The Tarantolati of Tricarico received a career achievement award this morning from the President of the Regional Council of Basilicata, Marcello Pittella, for their significant contribution to the valorization and international diffusion of Lucanian musical tradition.
Celebrating a Half-Century of Cultural Preservation
the award ceremony saw President Pittella present a medal commemorating 50 years of the Basilicata Region to three key figures within the Tarantolati: Franco Ferri and Rocco Paradiso, the group’s historic founders, and Maria Pia Albano, a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and costume designer integral to the ensemble’s artistic vision. This recognition underscores the importance placed on cultural heritage within the region.
A Harmony Rooted in Local Identity
“The musical group was able to build, in over fifty years of musical history, a harmony that arises from territories, communities and local cultures, transforming them into an added value recognized at a regional, national and international level,” a senior official stated during the ceremony. the Tarantolati have not simply performed music; they have actively recovered and reinterpreted a rich cultural legacy, making it accessible to diverse audiences and fostering genuine emotional connections.
The group’s success lies in its ability to translate local experiences into worldwide themes. As the official continued, “Through his music he has recovered and reinterpreted a culture of traditions, making it capable of speaking to different audiences, involving and transmitting authentic emotions.”
A Living Legacy for Basilicata
The Tarantolati are now considered a living heritage for basilicata, representing a vital component of the region’s history and identity.Their music serves as an ambassador for Basilicata on the world stage, embodying the community’s core values.
These values, as highlighted by the President, include:
- Hospitality
- Effort
- Resilience
- Dignity
“The Tarantolati represent a living heritage for Basilicata, an important piece of our history and our identity, their music accompanies Basilicata in the world not only as an element of territorial promotion, but as an expression of the distinctive traits of our community,” the President declared.The award serves as a powerful reminder of the duty of institutions to recognize and support those who contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural value, generating quality and worth for future generations.
Why: The Tarantolati of Tricarico were honored for their 50-year commitment to preserving and promoting the unique musical traditions of Basilicata,Italy.
Who: The award was presented by Marcello Pittella,President of the Regional Council of Basilicata,to Franco ferri,Rocco paradiso (founders),and Maria Pia Albano (dancer,choreographer,costume designer) of the Tarantolati of Tricarico.
What: The group received a career achievement award, symbolized by a medal commemorating 50 years of the Basilicata Region, recognizing their significant contribution to Lucanian musical tradition.
How did it end?: The award ceremony concluded wiht a declaration from President Pittella emphasizing the Tarantolati’s role as a “living heritage” and a reminder of the importance of institutional support for cultural preservation. The group continues to serve as a cultural ambassador for Basilicata.
