The quartet. Adding the sisters to the brothers!
The Rigatoni Quartet performs a musical repertoire that was sung and played by US Italian immigrants at social gatherings in the early part of the last century. The quartet features Southern Italian folk songs, mixed in with classics from the great Neapolitan songbook, and occasional forays into Italian-Americana. You will be sure to enjoy mazurkas, tarantellas, serenades, opera overtures, Italian folk tunes, and the occasional ragtime piece. This music appeals just as much to classical and folk music lovers as it does to those already steeped in the Italian mandolin music tradition. |
Paul Oorts, Rigatoni's director and lead mandolinist, is an in-demand multi-instrumentalist in the Washington DC music scene. Paul occasionally plays guitar, button accordion or banjo with the trio. He enjoys sharing the background of the composers and music scene from the early 1900’s era of this Italian music.
Gina Bartolotta Faber provides the beautiful harmonies on mandolin that round out the trio sound. She occasionally plays banjo or percussion in some of the arrangements. Jay Benforado provides impeccable accompaniment to the quartet on guitar. Maria Bartolotta Lostoski is a local soprano and music instructor at Norwood School in Bethesda. She has performed with the National Philharmonic Singers and the Canatate Concert Choir. Of Sicilian descent, Maria has a vested interest in the folk musician of Italy and Sicily, and has been polishing her Italian language singing for this ensemble. |
Cannatella,
Neopolitan song, Arr. Paul Oorts |
La Danza Tarantella Napoletana
by Gioacchino Rosssini, Arr. Paul Oorts |
Scuiri, Scuiri
Sicilian Folks Song, Arr. Paul Oorts
Sicilian Folks Song, Arr. Paul Oorts