Polyphonies of the Spanish Golden Age between stage, narrative, and sonic imagination
The Polytechnic Concerts. Thursday, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Poliba Rectorate, Campus
May 25, 2026
“Una sañosa porfía” is a journey into the Spanish colonial vocal polyphony of the Golden Age, which, from Columbus’s discovery of America, extends to the end of the 17th century. Interpreted as a story in images, akin to cinematic language, the compositions of Gaspar Fernandes, Juan del Encina and Nicolas Gombert unfold like scenes from a film, in which sound constructs spaces, times and characters, atmospheres between Iberian Europe and the New World.
As in cinema, music takes on a central narrative role: it guides listening, defines identities and directs the imagination. Renaissance writing engages in dialogue with the earliest Baroque sensibilities, while rhythmic and linguistic colors broaden the expressive horizon.
This and more is the title of “Una sañosa porfia”, the penultimate event in the seventh edition of “I Concerti del Politecnico” 2026. The event, curated by Poliba and ARCoPu, the Regional Association of Apulian Choirs, is scheduled, Thursday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.at the Poliba rectorate headquarters, University Campus, and performed by Giuseppe Petrella on baroque guitar; Pippo D’Ambrosio on percussion; with Sergio Lella as conductor and the contribution of “L.A. Chorus”, Associazione Matera Musica.
To attend the musical event, it is necessary to book the free ticket by May 28, 12:00 p.m. Tickets available while supplies last.
Who are the performers. Giuseppe Petrella he graduated in guitar and bassoon, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in early music and lute. From a young age, he distinguished himself through a brilliant concert career that has taken him around the world. He has collaborated with prestigious orchestras: the Munich Chamber Orchestra and the Petruzzelli Theatre Orchestra, taking part in tours in Russia and Brazil. Representing Italy in two editions of the Festival of Chiquitania in Bolivia, he has performed as a soloist in several countries. He has given masterclasses at renowned conservatories and musical institutions.
Pippo D’Ambrosio, born in Bari in 1965, drummer, percussionist and composer, studied drums in the 1980s with Ettore Fioravanti e Roberto Gatto at ‘Siena Jazz’ and specialized in 1993 at the ‘Drummers Collective’ in New York. He obtained with honors the Academic Diploma of First and Second Level in Jazz Music from the N. Piccinni Conservatory in Bari. He has collaborated with internationally renowned artists and groups.
Sergio Lella he obtained the Academic Diploma of Second Level in Choral Music and Choir Conducting from the N. Piccinni Conservatory in Bari. He further specialized with internationally renowned masters. He conducted the Italian Youth Choir as part of the 3rd European Academy of Choir Conducting and took part in international projects. Since 1991 he has directed theEnsemble Vocale Palazzo Incantatowith which he has achieved important recognitions and produced recordings.
L.A. Chorus (Lucania & Apulia Chorus), founded in 2014 in Matera by Matera in Musica with the support of the City of Matera, is a professional choral ensemble capable of changing its lineup, conductor and artists according to the repertoires performed. It has given more than 300 concerts in Europe. Its repertoire ranges from Baroque to contemporary music, with particular attention to Italian composers.
The article Polyphonies of the Spanish Golden Age between stage, narrative, and sonic imagination comes from Poliba Chronicle.