Listen to what the Normans are singing.

A show combining the presentation of medieval instruments, lutherie and Anglo-Norman and Sicilian music influenced by Arabic culture during the era of the Norman kings.

Les Prieurales and their emblematic ensemble Quarte&graal proudly showcase a remarkable collection of Norman instruments developed over the past twelve years with the support of the City of Le Havre. This project highlights a musical heritage reconstructed from historical sources, notably sculptures and medieval iconographies related to Norman history.

Among these instruments is a reconstruction inspired by a sculpture from the abbey of Graville, created by Giuseppe Severini, a luthier based in Randazzo, Sicily. He is also known for his work in restoring instruments depicted in the paintings of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. Built during the reign of Roger II, heir of the Norman conquest of Sicily, this monument bears witness to the meeting of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine cultures. Its decor features numerous instruments such as the oud, rebab, qitara, santur, and zamar, which have been reinvented and interpreted by Giuseppe Severini and his wife Marilena.

The meeting between the Norman instruments of Quarte&graal and those of Arab-Norman Sicily gives rise to an unprecedented musical dialogue. The sounds from Normandy, England, and the Mediterranean respond through the voices and instruments of the artists gathered for this occasion, illustrating the richness of cultural exchanges that shaped European history in the Middle Ages.

For this exceptional program, the ensemble Quarte&graal brings together:
Evelyne Moser: bowed vielles, singing
Leah Stuttard: rote, singing
Marilena Severini: large tambourine, derbouka, singing and dance
Giuseppe Severini: oud, rebab, santur, zamar, mezwed, vieras, singing
François Montaufray: guiterne, citole, qitara, singing

The proposal is structured in two parts: a presentation of the instruments, their origins, their historical representations, and the manufacturing techniques that allowed for their reconstruction, followed by a concert. Anglo-Norman songs, Sicilian repertoires, and works of Norman trouvères intermingle to revive an exceptional musical heritage at the crossroads of influences that marked the history of Normandy and the Mediterranean region.

Practical information:
All audiences
Duration: 1h30
Payment required
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