La Meglio Giuventù

Vesuvius Ensemble is dedicated to the musical and cultural heritage from Naples and other parts of southern Italy. The ensemble performs songs in dialect from the Italian countryside which have been passed on orally and in writing over centuries and finally researched and recorded in the twentieth century. The songs are accompanied by Baroque continuo instruments (Baroque guitars, chitarrone) in combination with rustic string, percussion, and wind instruments typical of the region (chitarra battente, colascione, tammorra, ciaramella). The ensemble is led by Francesco Pellegrino and accompanied by guitarist/wind player Marco Cera and lutenist Lucas Harris. The Ensemble has thrilled audiences in both Canada and Italy, performing on its own or with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in the collaborative program Bella Napoli.