In the musical cultures of the mountainous islands of Corsica and Sardinia, a centuries-old tradition of multi-part singing tradition has remained in practically undisturbed form. Essentially always considered a male preserve and dispensing with the need for instrumental accompaniment, this music sung by four or five men of three different voice types in four parts is guaranteed to achieve an extraordinary effect.

Of the multi-part singing ensembles of the Italian island of Sardinia (which enjoys a special autonomous status), Cuncordu e Tenore de Orosei is one of the most highly esteemed. Founded in 1978, the group chose its name to indicate that its repertoire includes both sacred (cuncordu) and secular (tenore) songs from the island – and specifically from Orosei Bay. Prevailing for the most part in their performance style is the crystal-clear tradition of five men witih interlocking voices standing in a circle. They have received tremendous acclaim not only for their concerts all over Europe, as they have also been releasing records since 1994. In addition to preserving these archaic forms, they are also receptive to other musical genres and other branches of the arts. They have collaborated with such luminaries as the Senegalese singer/ngoni player Mola Sylla and the Dutch cellist Ernst Reijseger, in Werner Herzog’s film The White Diamond.

The multi-part singing of Sardinia constitutes an integral part of Italian world music, of which no picture would be complete without it. Fortunately – as with the other performers building musical bridges to the country – it will be the most deeply versed interpreters of the genre arriving at Müpa Budapest.

Admission is free of charge.

Bridging Europe festival is the joint production of the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Müpa Budapest.