“Folia”, a word from Portugal meaning “merrymaking” or “revelry”, is linked to working-class (shepherds and farmers). It simply consists of ascending ground basses on eight bars with variation (or “diferencias”). Adopted first by Italians then all of Europe, it evolves with virtuosity under Corelli or Vivaldi’s pen. Its style and spirit evoke for now on freedom and creativity.

Dolce Follia, is inspired by the hip-hop choreography Folia, a performance created with Mourad Merzouki for the Festival Les Nuits de Fourvière. This program preserves the energy and inventiveness given by dance. Hybrid music from Iberian Peninsula to southern Italy are inviting us to a journey through time. Refined repertoire from palazzi is rubbing shoulders with Napoli rough areas. Folias, tarentellas, passacailles and chaconnes are the musical framework of this program.