Letters to Adriana

The research for this program began with the Canzoniere Ms. XVII.30 from the Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli (ca. 1622–1630). This remarkable manuscript once belonged to the celebrated singer Adriana Basile — a true star of her time — who was known for her mastery of the harp and the guitarra spagnola. What makes this collection especially intriguing is that nearly half of its songs are in Spanish, featuring both unique poetic texts and well-known verses by writers such as Vicente Espinel from the Spanish Golden Age.

Countless poems and letters were also dedicated to Adriana by leading composers and poets of her era, including Claudio Monteverdi and Gregorio Strozzi.

In the performance Letters to Adriana, these texts are recited and interwoven with music from Spain and Italy, works by composers close to Adriana, such as Monteverdi, Sigismondo d’India, Giulio Caccini, alongside songs from the Canzoniere.

The result is an intimate and theatrical program that gives voice to a very promising woman, illuminating what was written about her and for her.

Gaia Szames - soprano
Francesco Zoccali - theorbo and baroque guitar
Emma Huijsser - baroque harp
Special guest: Jonatan Alvarato - tenor