The Italian American Museum Presents: "Conversations About The Black Madonna". Thursday, April 27th, 7:00 PM - 155 Mulberry Street (Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) New York, NY 10013

Singer, percussionist, healer and director Alessandra Belloni, joined by master bansuri flautist Steve Gorn will take the audience on an enchanting journey of discovery of the seven Black Madonnas, following the ancient Neapolitan legend, known as the "Seven Sisters" in Southern Italy.

This trip into traditional legends, miracles and history, transports audiences to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with processions, drumming rituals, chanting and sensual dancing in honor of the Black Madonna, who is considered the most important of the "Seven Sisters". She continues to be venerated on a high sacred mountain, which pilgrims still climb barefoot while chanting and drumming in her honor.

Alessandra will speak about her personal healing journey with the Black Madonna, and her unique research that led her to write, together with composer John La Barbera, the 1991 theater and dance piece that brought her to be Artist-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. Alessandra will also talk about her annual pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of the Black Madonna in Southern Italy.

The traditional music includes chants to the Madonna of Montevergine (Avellino), La Madonna della Libera (Moiano Benevento), Madonna de li Grazi (Sicily) and the Madonna di Seminara (Reggio Calabria).

Alessandra will close the evening's program with powerful ritual drumming and dance known as Tamorriata, from the region of Campania.

Thursday, April 27th, 7:00 PM

RSVP Code: BM0427

Italian American Museum - 155 Mulberry Street (Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) New York, NY 10013
Suggested donation of $25 per person
For reservations, please call the Italian American Museum at 212.965.9000, Email: [email protected] or Fax: 347.810.1028