Tenores di Bitti “Mialinu Pira” was formed in Sardinia and takes its name from the well-known anthropologist Michelangelo ‘Mialinu’ Pira from Bitti. All the members have been learning the traditional singing since they were children.
After a careful preparation, the group began to perform the ancient melodies at many town squares, theaters and churches of Sardinia (Italy) and abroad, including many European countries, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Canada. In 2001, the group participated in the Christmas Concert for the Pope, with artists such as Hevia, Terence Trent-Darby, Cranberries, and Randy Crawford. The concert was broadcast by Canale 5. The tenores were also guests in the telecast Quelli che il calcio, on Italian national TV RAI Tre.
On September of 2003, the group collaborated with Hevia, the famous Spanish bagpiper from Asturias, who invited the Sardinian group to his concert in Avilés (Spain) to open his winter tour. In the same month, Tenores di Bitti “Mialinu Pira” received an award from the Maria Carta Foundation.
On November of 2003, the singers participated in the Festival Europalia as representatives of Italian popular music.
Tenores di Bitti “Mialinu Pira” works carefully to preserve Sardinian tradition by teaching courses at schools and merging this traditional form of singing with other musical genres, such as classical music.
The performances last an hour and the repertoire is made of profane and sacred tracks, preceded by an explanation about their origins and meaning. The group consists of five members who wear the traditional costume and sing a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).
Discography:
Romanzesu (Amori, 1993)
Intonos (Robi Droli, 1994)
Ammentos (Robi Droli, 1996)
S’amore ‘E Mama (Real World Records, 1996)
Tenores di Bitti (Frorias, 1999)
The New Village (Il Manifesto, 2007)
Cunzertos (2013)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
