Pieces of music both soothing and exciting were orchestrated on Sunday, April 3, 2005, in the Widener Center Lecture Hall by the Munier Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra.
Composed by Cris Ianni, the concert began at 3 p.m. and arranged for mandolin guitars to string an audience along an auditory trip that only the mandolin and its music could provide. Depicted sounds included Munier renditions of a moment in Naples with “Napoli [Tarantella],” a scene from the beloved movie “Casablanca,” with “Tango Delle Rose” and a night in Spain with “Torna A Surriento.”
Feet tapped along to rhythms funded for a day by the National Italian American Foundation. According to Dr. Charles McCormick, dean of academics, the grant was trusted to help provide not just a program, but an opportunity for Cabrini to explore and experience Italian heritage.
It was more like endearing awe though, especially when 12-year-old Bryce Milano showcased his guitar skills in playing an original piece, simply titled, “Works for Me” that according to the young Milano, took only a day-and-a-half to write.
And guitars weren’t all that could be heard. Voices also graced the auditorium when the crowd was invited to sing enthusiastically along to some Italian classics like “O’ Sole Mio” and “O’ Marinariello.”
The concert was followed with cookies, cake and lemonade in Jazzman’s Caf
