Listen to what the Normans are singing.

A performance combining the presentation of medieval instruments, lutherie, and Anglo-Norman and Sicilian music influenced by Arab culture during the time of the Norman kings.

Les Prieurales and their emblematic ensemble Quarte&graal showcase a remarkable Norman instrumentarium that has been developed over twelve years with the support of the City of Le Havre. This project highlights a reconstructed musical heritage based on historical sources, particularly from 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 recreating the instruments depicted in the paintings of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. Built during the reign of Roger II, heir to the Norman conquest of Sicily, this monument reflects the encounter between Norman, Arab, and Byzantine cultures. Its decoration displays numerous instruments such as the oud, rebab, qitara, santur, and zamar, which are today reimagined and performed by Giuseppe Severini and his wife Marilena.

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

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

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

Practical information:
All audiences
Duration: 1h30
Paid entry
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