Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare

The Profile

Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare (NCCP) is a Neapolitan folk ensemble founded in Naples in 1969. Under the artistic direction of Roberto De Simone and with key members including Eugenio Bennato, Giovanni Mauriello, Peppe Barra, Fausta Vetere, Nunzio Areni and Patrizio Trampetti, the group revives Southern Italian traditions through ethnomusicological research and theatrical performance. They rose to national prominence after the Festival di Spoleto in the early 1970s and remain active.

Founded in Naples (1969); Italian folk/Neapolitan repertoire; associated with Roberto De Simone; notable members include Peppe Barra, Fausta Vetere, Eugenio Bennato, Giovanni Mauriello; gained recognition after Festival di Spoleto (early 1970s).

Four glowing reviews praise NCCP’s revival of Neapolitan tradition through ethnomusicological research and theatrical verve. Highlights include La gatta Cenerentola (with Roberto De Simone), La Serpe A Carolina, Li Sarracini adorano lu sole and Tarantella ca nun va bbona. Themes span villanelle, moresche, tarantelle and tammorriate, with vivid portraits of 17th–18th century Naples and its popular lore.