Biography

Musical Association Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina of Aci Sant’Antonio
It was founded by Maestro Franco Greco and a group of young enthusiasts in 1976. It stands as a versatile group to the interpretation of different vocal styles: from the a cappella to the choral – polyphonic; from sacred to secular music. Since 1980 he has carried out an intense concert activity, appearing, among other things, in the billboards of the Associazione Musicale Etnea, of December adranita, of the Azienda di Cura di Acireale, of the Settimana Missena di Musica Sacra of Caltanissetta, of the International Festival of Choirs of Giarre. In 1983, at the invitation of the Italian Association of St. Cecilia, he took part in St. Peter’s in Rome, at the National Conference of the Scholae Cantorum on the occasion of the XXV of episcopate of Pope John Paul II, holding a concert in the capital. In the same year it was established as an Association and as part of its activities organizes every year the “Incontri Musicali Città di Aci Sant’Antonio” and for 12 years promotes a seminar of studies on the theme “Voice and Chorality” held by the masters Bruno Zagni (professor at the Conservatory of Bologna), Marika Rizzo (professor at the Conservatory of Naples) and Nino Albarosa. In May 1994 the group participated in Palermo at the Concert “In Memoriam” dedicated to the victims of the mafia; for the occasion pieces of the choir have been included in the live recording of a CD. In September 1995 the Choir “Palestrina” represents Italy at the “IV International Festival of polyphonic Choir” in Tripolis in Greece. It is chosen to animate a Holy Mass on the occasion of the festivities of the Patron Saint, Sant’Antonio Abate, broadcast live on RAI1. In 2010 she was invited to the International Festival “Cantemus Domino” of Poggio Rusco (MN) organized by AMET (Music and Technology Association) and for the occasion, pieces of the choir were included in the recording of a CD. It organizes every year, on the occasion of Christmas, the Review “Night of stars …Night of Love” in which the death of Maestro Greco is commemorated; and on that occasion in 2011 celebrates 35 years of activity by hosting two international choirs from Winsconsin (USA): the “Kantorei Appleton West Higt School” and the “Mc Curdy Theatre Arts Group”. In March 2011, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, the choir was recognized as a “Group of Popular and Amateur Music of National Interest” by the Minister for Cultural Heritage and Activities. In September 2014 he participated in the Conference – Pilgrimage “Singing the Faith” (Conference on the theme: “Music at the service of the Liturgy and Evangelization”) in Rome held by Maestro Marco Frisina and on the occasion animates the S.Mass presided over by Pope Francis. In 2015 she is the choir that represents the Municipality of Aci Sant’Antonio (CT) in the Concert with the “Northwest Girchoir” of Citytle (USA). After the death of Maestro Greco, since August 2001, the choir is conducted by Maestro Sebastiano Russo and since 2005 has been accompanied on the organ by Maestro Agata Petraschi and on various occasions by Maestro Mariarosaria Pappalardo.