‘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 of 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 been a bustling urban cultural center and a natural crucible for the arts and sounds of the Western world. It surely deserves a 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
Ars Nova Napoli was formed in 2009 and is composed of exceptional band members, each bringing a distinctive voice and instrumental prowess to the group’s signature sound. The band features:
– 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)
Together, they offer 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. They offer a unique reinterpretation of traditional southern Italian songs alongside original compositions.
The band has taken their music to audiences worldwide, participating in prestigious events such as the Mosul Traditional Fest – UNESCO in Iraq, Erbil Tradition in Kurdistan, Seoul Music Week, Rajasthan Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF), and the Foshan China Chic Festival.
### The Upcoming Concert in Mumbai
At their concert on Wednesday at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Ars Nova Napoli promises to bring the flavours and sounds of southern Italy, diving deep into the folk roots of Campania.
In an exclusive interaction with *The Free Press Journal*, vocalist and accordion player Marcello Squillante — who is also one of the founders of the band — shares insights about their music, culture, and the much-anticipated Mumbai concert.
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### Interview Excerpts
**The band began performing in squares, markets, and on the streets of Naples, and today you’ve played across the world. What do you think made your music so widely loved and noticed?**
Southern Italian music, like other folk music worldwide, is always highly appreciated—especially for the energy it conveys when performed live.
**How did the idea of Ars Nova Napoli take shape, and what inspired you to showcase the music of Naples?**
Ars Nova Napoli started almost as a joke among a group of friends who, after finishing school, decided to play the music of their homeland together. Without meaning to, our passion quickly became our job. The first core of the band was formed sixteen years ago by longtime friends. We met the other three members almost immediately on the street, and we have been together ever since.
**What is the meaning behind the name ‘Ars Nova’?**
Ars Nova refers to a very important period in the history of music, marked by great innovation and the stable introduction of new instruments.
**While your repertoire focuses on Neapolitan music, do you also include songs from other Italian cities?**
Our focus is definitely on Neapolitan music and music from our region, Campania. But we also include music from other regions of southern Italy in our repertoire—regions that share the tarantella tradition, such as Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily.
**Which instruments are central to your sound and help capture the spirit of Naples?**
The mandolin is undoubtedly the central instrument of Neapolitan musical culture, with a rich history in classical music. For the more popular soul, I would add the tambourine.
**This concert marks the 2,500th anniversary of Naples’ founding, celebrated under the banner Neapolis 2500. How modern has the city become over the years?**
Naples is a constantly developing metropolis, especially over the last twenty years, undergoing unimaginable change. The wonderful thing is that despite continuous modernization, we continue to live in such an ancient city, which helps us maintain an ancient spirit even in modernity.
**You last visited India in 2023 for the Jodhpur RIFF. What memories do you carry from that trip and performance?**
In 2023, we saw India for the first time and were absolutely blown away. Playing at Jodhpur RIFF was a huge thrill and gave us the chance to hear amazing Indian artists live. We also appreciated the spirit of hospitality and participation of this incredible country, which immediately stole our hearts.
**Since Mumbai lies in the south of India, your show highlights music from southern Italy. Do you see a cultural connection?**
The connection is very strong. We will play our music with a folk soul that has the most connections to Indian folk. It is the first time, after traveling so much, that we have seen so many similarities in music and dance.
**Are you familiar with Indian music or Bollywood songs? Have you had a chance to try Indian food?**
In Italy, we have been fortunate enough to listen to Bollywood music and many highly acclaimed Indian artists. However, hearing Indian music live allowed us to grasp its purest soul. Similarly, with Indian food, we were completely captivated.
**What can Mumbai audiences expect from your upcoming show? Will it bring the lively streets of Campania alive with the energy of the tarantella and tammurriata?**
We hope the audience enjoys the energy of our music and appreciates the various forms of the tarantella. We will take them on a journey through the diverse dances of the South.
**O Sole Mio and Torna a Surriento are iconic Neapolitan songs. Will these be part of your Mumbai performance, and what makes them timeless?**
These two songs have undoubtedly made Neapolitan music history globally because they fully encapsulate the essence of our music—the harmony, melody, and poetry are timeless. However, we won’t be playing them in Mumbai as our program focuses on the more folk-oriented side of our repertoire.
**Have you thought of meeting any Indian music artists during this visit for collaborations, since you have visited India in the past?**
We were fortunate to spend time and play in harmony with various artists during the Rajasthan Festival in 2023. We hope to record something together soon to strengthen our connections with India.
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### Event Details
**Event:** Neapolis 2500
**Date:** Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 7 PM
**Venue:** Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Join Ars Nova Napoli as they celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Naples through a vibrant and captivating musical journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the spirit and soul of southern Italy live in Mumbai!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/ars-nova-napoli-is-a-band-that-started-almost-as-a-joke-says-marcello-squillante
