Jean-Claude ACQUAVIVA / Jean-Luc GERONIMI / Paul GIANSILY / José FILIPPI / Jean SICURANI / Ceccè ACQUAVIVA / Maxime VUILLAMIER

 With its ardent, passionate vision of sacred and profane song, A Filetta is one of the most magnificent groups practising polyphony.

October 1978

Formation of the group A Filetta, in Balagne, on the initiative of a young school-teacher, Michel Frassati. His meeting with a bee-keeper, Tumasgiu Nami, was what inspired an association that would involve dozens of singers from around Haute-Corse (Balagne, Nebbiu, Fiumorbu, Castagniccia, Niolu etc.) Its primary objective was to help conserve an oral heritage that was in decline. Starting in the winter of 1979, the group took part in concerts organised in various places, particularly by “A Riscossa,” an association which supported the families of imprisoned nationalist militants.

 Active for thirty years and having produced its thirteenth album, A Filetta is one of the leading vocal groups in Corsica. With seven men’s voices, this incredibly creative ensemble perpetuates the island oral tradition and is also well-known for its exploration of other areas of polyphonic song, particularly the composition of contemporary pieces.

The road travelled over three decades has been rich with experiences and meetings, in the fields of the theatre, film music and stage productions.

 Film music: many productions in collaboration with Bruno Coulais (Himalaya, L’enfance d’un chef – Le peuple migrateur – Don Juan etc.)

Opera for children to the music of Bruno Coulais, libretto and direction by Orlando Forioso with the performers of the Gruss Circus.

Theatre: Seneca’s Medea, Marco Polo, Culomba, Don Ghjuvanni, Pessoassion etc.

Music: composition of a Requiem commissioned by the Festival of Saint Denis in 2004 “Di Corsica Riposu, Requiem for two visions,” residence and concerts with Danyel Waro, the singer from Réunion. Recent composition of a repertoire resulting from an irresistible encounter with Paolo Fresu (trumpet) and Daniele di Bonaventura (bandoneon)

Dance: performances with the choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (In memoriam with the Ballets de Monte Carlo and Apocrifu at the Théâtre de la Monnaie).