‘Ars Nova Napoli Is A Band That Started Almost As A Joke,’ Says Marcello Squillante
After their vibrant performance at Jodhpur RIFF in 2023, the exceptional sextet Ars Nova Napoli returns to India to mark the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Italian city Naples.
In association with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, Royal Opera House Mumbai, and Avid Learning, they will present the concert *Neapolis 2500*.
The city of Naples, Italy has long been a bustling urban cultural center—a natural crucible for the arts and sounds of the Western world. It surely deserves a grand celebration, and what better way than with a performance by Ars Nova Napoli, a band that knows its city better than anyone else.
### About Ars Nova Napoli
Formed in 2009, Ars Nova Napoli is composed of exceptional band members, each bringing a distinctive voice and instrumental prowess to the group’s signature sound. The members include:
– Marcello Squillante (Vocals, Accordion)
– Michelangelo Nusco (Violin, Trumpet, Mandolin)
– Vincenzo Racioppi (Mandolin, Charango)
– Gianluca Fusco (Vocals, Guitar, Diatonic Accordion, Gaita)
– Antonino Anastasia (Frame Drums)
– Bruno Belardi (Double Bass)
The band offers a high-energy, danceable reinterpretation of a plethora of ancient melodies and contemporary compositions. Today, Ars Nova Napoli is one of the most renowned and cherished bands in the Neapolitan Nu Folk scene, providing a unique blend of traditional southern Italian songs alongside original pieces.
Their music has reached audiences worldwide, with performances at events such as the Mosul Traditional Fest – UNESCO in Iraq, Erbil Tradition in Kurdistan, Seoul Music Week, Rajasthan Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF), and the Foushan China Chic Festival.
### Neapolis 2500: The Mumbai Concert
At their concert on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Ars Nova Napoli promises to bring the rich flavours and sounds from southern Italy. Their music dives deep into the folk roots of Campania, offering an authentic cultural experience.
In an exclusive interview with *The Free Press Journal*, vocalist and accordion player Marcello Squillante, one of the band’s founders, shared insights about their music, culture, and the much-anticipated Mumbai concert. Here are highlights from the conversation:
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**Q: Your band started performing in the streets and markets of Naples and has since played worldwide. What do you think has made your music so widely loved?**
A: Southern Italian music, like other folk music worldwide, is always highly appreciated — especially for the energy it conveys in live performances.
**Q: How did Ars Nova Napoli come into being, and what inspired you to showcase Neapolitan music?**
A: The band began almost as a joke among friends who, after finishing school, decided to play the music of their homeland. Without meaning to, our passion quickly became our job. The first core formed sixteen years ago among longtime friends, and we met the other members soon after on the street. We have been together ever since.
**Q: What is the meaning behind the name ‘Ars Nova’?**
A: Ars Nova refers to a significant period in music history marked by great innovation and the introduction of new instruments.
**Q: While you focus on Neapolitan music, do you include songs from other Italian regions?**
A: Our focus is on Neapolitan music and our region, Campania. However, we also include music from other southern Italian regions like Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily, which share ties through the tarantella tradition.
**Q: Which instruments are central to your sound and embody the spirit of Naples?**
A: The mandolin is central to Neapolitan musical culture, with a rich history in classical songs. The tambourine is also key when it comes to the more popular, folk soul of our music.
**Q: Naples has evolved over 2,500 years. How modern has the city become?**
A: Naples is a constantly developing metropolis and has undergone tremendous change, especially in the past twenty years. Despite modernization, we continue to live in such an ancient city, preserving an ancient spirit even in modernity.
**Q: You last visited India in 2023 for the Jodhpur RIFF. What memories do you carry from that trip?**
A: In 2023, we saw India for the first time and were completely blown away. Playing at Jodhpur RIFF was thrilling and gave us a chance to hear amazing Indian artists live. The spirit of hospitality and participation captured our hearts instantly.
**Q: Since Mumbai is in the south of India, your show highlights southern Italian music. Do you see a cultural connection?**
A: The connection is very strong. We will perform with a folk soul deeply connected to Indian folk traditions. After so much travel, this is the first time we have seen so many similarities in music and dance.
**Q: Are you familiar with Indian music or Bollywood songs? Have you tried Indian food?**
A: In Italy, we have often listened to Bollywood music and highly acclaimed Indian artists. Experiencing it live helped us grasp the purest soul of Indian music. The food similarly captivated us completely.
**Q: What can Mumbai audiences expect from your show? Will it bring the lively streets of Campania alive with tarantella and tammurriata energy?**
A: We hope audiences enjoy the energy of our music and appreciate the various forms of the tarantella. We will take you on a journey through the diverse dances of southern Italy.
**Q: Iconic Neapolitan songs like *O Sole Mio* and *Torna a Surriento* are loved worldwide. Will you perform them in Mumbai?**
A: These songs have made Neapolitan music history globally, as they embody its essence. However, we won’t be playing them this time as the program focuses on the more folk-oriented side of our repertoire.
**Q: Have you considered collaborating with Indian artists during this visit?**
A: We were fortunate to perform with various Indian artists at the Rajasthan Festival in 2023 and hope to record something together soon to strengthen our ties with India.
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### Event Details
**Event:** Neapolis 2500
**Date:** Wednesday, October 8, 2025
**Time:** 7:00 PM
**Venue:** Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Experience a night filled with the energetic folk sounds of southern Italy, brought alive by one of the most authentic and dynamic bands—Ars Nova Napoli. Don’t miss this unique celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of Naples!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/ars-nova-napoli-is-a-band-that-started-almost-as-a-joke-says-marcello-squillante
