Taranta Festlival Returns

The festival celebrates our local arts scene and blurs the line between community and professional artists, while bringing internationally touring artists of high calibre within reach. It’s accessible, alcohol free and welcoming to everyone.

International lineup

Headlining this year is Ars Nova Napoli, one of Italy’s leading folk acts, bringing the authentic sounds and dance rhythms of Naples to Australia for the first time. Also mesmerising audiences is chitarra battente virtuoso Alessandro Santacaterina, part of a new wave of artists breathing new life into ancient instruments, blending traditional technique with loops and electronics.

Argentinian maestro Diego Jaskalevich travels all the way from Germany to play the charango, an Andean stringed instrument. He’s one of the world’s most celebrated players, and has spent his career bringing the instrument international recognition. Also from Argentina, Ginkobiloba brings the rich folk music tradition of the country, a sound rarely heard around here, warm and rhythmic, evoking the open pampas and Andean peaks. From Italy, Ciccio Nucera is one of the most noted musicians of tarantella, the infectious Italian dance music.

It’s the first time any of these artists have performed in Australia, and each has travelled far to share their music with us. Welcoming them into town and enveloping them into our local music scene is what the Taranta magic is about!

The rest of the weekend

Formed by some of Australia’s best jazz musicians, Melbourne trio Hyperbaroq brings Italian baroque songs into completely new territory.

They’re joined by powerhouse act Farhan Shah and SUFI OZ from Adelaide, and Bellingen’s own Santa Taranta Orchestra, launching a brand new album filled with national and international collaborations.

Familiar faces will be around all weekend, with local groups Fiddlesticks, Symphonia, AllSorts, the Bellingen Singers and more.

Community arts project Messages of Love, led by local artist Hayley Egan, will bring choir, spoken word and movement together, and look out for other public art activations by local sculptor Franco Franki.

Bring the family

Kids get in free, with a mix of free and ticketed events all day, so there’s no need to plan the whole weekend.

The Australian Government has assisted the festival through the Regional Arts Fund and the Office for Multicultural Affairs, Coffs Harbour City Council, Bellingen Shire Council, COMITES.

Photo by Roxane Isherwood