Roxborough native continues Italian Christmas tradition
For five years, Zampognari di Filadelfia has been honoring an Italian Christmas tradition the duo says dates back to musical shepherds at the Nativity scene.
The two were seen performing outside of DiBruno’s cheese shop in the Italian market on Wednesday.
Roxborough native Susan Simon plays the ciaramella, a double reed instrument much like the oboe.
She is accompanied by zampognari player Charles Rutan whose instrument is made of Calabrian goat skin and wood from olive and ash trees.
Joining them with vocals, Antonio Romano, belts out “Tu scendi dalle stella”, a popular Italian Christmas carol about the great king born into poverty.
Zampognari di Filadelfia performs again Thursday outside of DiBruno’s cheese shop from 12 to 3 p.m.
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