16th-Century Sicilian Poetry Concert Comes to Tunisia's Manouba University

A unique musical performance, "Celia," will be held at Manouba University on November 11, showcasing the poetry of 16th-century Sicilian poet Antonio Veneziano. Born in 1543 in Monreale, Veneziano was a contemporary of renowned author Miguel de Cervantes. The concert is part of an international tour that will span five countries, supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture's "Transversal Actions, Foreign Tours" program.

The performance, approximately 50 minutes long, features music composed by Maurizio Curcio, accompanied by the voices of Valentina Migliore and Roberta Scacciaferro. Anton Giulio Pandolfo will portray Miguel de Cervantes, who, along with Veneziano, was imprisoned in Algiers. It was during this time that Veneziano composed "Celia," a love song in Sicilian octaves dedicated to a mysterious female figure.

The historical reference for the performance is the common imprisonment of Veneziano and Cervantes in Algiers. In 1578, Veneziano was captured by pirates while traveling to Spain and met Cervantes, also a prisoner, in the North African city. A letter from Cervantes to Veneziano, dated November 6, 1579, accompanied by verses, serves as proof of their friendship.

After its premiere in Tunisia, the tour will continue on November 12 at the Geneva Conservatory, followed by performances at the Funkhaus in Vienna on November 15, Bratislava on November 17, and Piotrowice, Poland on November 22. This cultural itinerary, starting in Tunisia, brings new relevance to a literary heritage over four centuries old.

The project, carried out by the Sicilian cultural cooperative Le Baccanti, combines music, Sicilian poetry, and theatrical narrative, connecting literary history across the Mediterranean. By reviving the story of two poets imprisoned in Algiers, the performance creates a new encounter between languages, music, and Mediterranean memories.

The concert is a testament to the enduring legacy of Antonio Veneziano and Miguel de Cervantes, two literary figures who found common ground during their time in captivity. By sharing their story through music and poetry, the performance aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage that connects the Mediterranean region.

The event is a collaboration between the Sicilian cultural cooperative Le Baccanti and the Italian Ministry of Culture, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the preservation of literary history. As the tour continues across Europe, it is expected to spark interest in the works of Veneziano and Cervantes, introducing their stories to new audiences.

Key points

• The concert marks the first stop on an international tour celebrating 16th-century Sicilian poet Antonio Veneziano.