The Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, in proud collaboration with the Italian Embassy in South Africa and The Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg, is proud to announce the tour of polyvocal quartet Faraualla who will perform for free in South Africa.

Group Profile

Formed in the vibrant region of Apulia in 1995, Faraualla is an Italian female vocal quartet that has carved a unique niche within the global music scene. Faraualla are Gabriella Schiavone, Teresa Vallarella, Maristella Schiavone e Loredana Savino. The ensemble in SA tournée comprise Michele Marrulli enriching their performances with percussive elements. This quartet’s journey began in Bari, a city known for its rich musical heritage, setting the stage for Faraualla’s explorative approach to vocal artistry.

Faraualla’s music transcends traditional boundaries by employing the human voice as a versatile instrument, embracing polyphony and delving into an eclectic mix of sounds from various cultures and epochs. Their artistic explorations have taken them from the heart of Apulia to the shores of Corsica, the mountains of Bulgaria, and the exotic landscapes of Tahiti, embracing the traditional music of gypsies, Moravians, Ars Nova, and Southern Italy. This cross-cultural journey has defined their unique sound, a testament to their belief in the voice’s power to convey universal emotions and stories.

The quartet’s performances are notable not only for their musical depth but also for the collaborations they have forged with internationally acclaimed artists. Their stage has been shared with luminaries such as Sainkho Namtchylak, Al Darawish, Bobby McFerrin, Daniele Sepe, and Lucilla Galeazzi, showcasing Faraualla’s versatility and the high regard in which they are held within the music community. One of their memorable collaborations was with the Italian singer Mango during a live concert in 1999, which was a testament to their ability to  blend seamlessly with diverse musical styles and talents.

Faraualla’s discography reflects their musical journey and evolution, beginning with their debut album “Faraualla” in 1999, followed by “Sind” in 2002, both released under Amiata Records. These albums were crucial in introducing their innovative approach to a wider audience. The group’s live performances have also been captured in recordings, such as the concert at Cappella Paolina del Qurinale in 2001, broadcasted by RadioTre and published by Rai Trade, offering listeners a glimpse into the captivating energy of their live shows.

Subsequent albums, including “Sospiro” (2008) and “Ogni Male Fore” (2013), published under the Felmay label, have continued to showcase Faraualla’s commitment to exploring the boundaries of vocal music. Their work not only pays homage to the rich tapestry of Italian musical traditions but also ventures into new territories, affirming their role as modern custodians of an age-old art form.

The ensemble’s stylistic choices are deeply rooted in the genres of International music, European Folk, Italian Music, and Western European Traditions. These classifications encapsulate the essence of Faraualla’s music: a blend of the local and the global, the ancient and the contemporary. Through their exploration of European folk and Italian musical traditions, alongside a commitment to vocal harmony and polyphony, Faraualla has secured their place as a distinct and innovative voice on the international stage.

As Faraualla continues to evolve, their music remains a bridge between cultures, a celebration of the human voice’s infinite possibilities, and a reminder of the enduring power of musical expression. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music, transcending geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.

Sind (2002)

• Uecumbà
• Tonga
• Ebilembilembà
• Uarandero
• Petr
• Sind’
• Arecuriuriè
• Fescenne
• Ijsse sole
• Rumelaj
• Ninnagè
• Popoff

Culla e Tempesta (2024)

• Un Due Tre Amen! (Gabriella Schiavone)
• In Fondo al Mar (Alan Menken)
• Canto delle Sirene (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Libera (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Inno alla Desolata (Domenico Iannuzzi & Vitaliano Iannuzzi)
•  Hell Broke Luce (Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan)
• Culla e Tempesta (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Gasolina (Daddy Yankee)
• Troglos (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Non Una di Meno (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Élévation (Charles Baudelaire)
• Nell’Estasi dell’Onda (Gabriella Schiavone)
• Bella Ciao
• Useppe (Gabriella Schiavone)