Italian vocalist group Mezzotono to perform live music in Dhaka tomorrow

The Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, in cooperation with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will host a live performance by Italian vocal ensemble Mezzotono at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 7pm tomorrow (1 June), according to a press release.

Often celebrated as the "Ambassadors of Italian Music", Mezzotono has performed in more than 70 countries across five continents, with shows that blend Italian culture, humour and music, often accompanied by educational workshops for students of all ages.

Composed of five singers, Mezzotono uses nothing but their voices to create an entire universe of sound. The group is among the finest interpreters of the Italian tradition of a cappella singing.

A cappella singing originated in European sacred music during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance as a musical style traditionally performed in religious chapels.

Over time, it evolved into folk music and later became a popular form of entertainment, requiring exceptional vocal skills and perfect synchronisation.

The group reinterprets a wide range of Italian and international music, from jazz and pop to classical and folk, using theatricality, irony and vocal imitation of instruments to create a live experience that sounds like a full orchestra on stage.

Their impressive résumé includes notable performances at the Dubai Jazz Festival, the Cairo Opera House, the London Jazz Festival and the Boston Green Festival, as well as extensive tours across China, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, various Arab states and festivals in 12 African countries.

In 2020, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected Mezzotono to represent Italian culture worldwide.

Their numerous accolades include a CARA nomination, often referred to as the "Oscars" of vocal music, the Academia Award in Los Angeles, a feature on a Gold-certified album in Italy and frequent appearances on Italian national television