Sunday, September 29, 2019. 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EDT. Casa Italiana, 595 3rd Street NW, Washington, 20001. The “Tenores di Neoneli” are a group of polyphonic singers from Sardinia (Italy). Founded in the little town of Neoneli in 1976, the group interprets the ancient Sardinian tradition of “a tenore” singing. A tenore singing is performed by groups of four male singers standing next to each other in a circle or semi-circle.

This type of singing is believed to be one of the oldest forms of vocal polyphony. In 2005, UNESCO recognized “a tenore” singing as an example of “intangible cultural heritage”. The Tenores di Neoneli are among the most popular, internationally renowned “a tenore” groups. Though deeply rooted in tradition, the Tenores di Neoneli have always been open to experimentation. An example of their art can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StKh9q1OQwY