Dante Ferrara
Medieval Minstrel Dante Ferrara is a unique performer and entertainer - an Elizabethan minstrel who travels extensively throughout the UK performing for weddings, corporate events and festivals, dressed in stunning costumes, typical of a court musician of the 1580s.
A professional since 1984, DANTE FERRARA is now established in countless historical venues as a unique soloist, offering a prestigious package to make your event truly memorable.
Unique:
~ for his selection of instruments: there is no other in the UK who uses this combination, all faithful copies of originals.
~ for the quality of his costumes: all exquisitely hand-made in various colours.
~ in his presentation: strolling, mingling and entertaining guests with wit and banter in a number of languages.
~ for his one-man package of entertainment including:
- processional music
- gentle background music
- romantic and risqué ballads
- lively dance tunes
Professional:
~ in his ability to choose and suggest the correct music to suit each occasion.
~ and experienced in planning events and consulting with clients, liaising with venues, agents and organizers.
~ in his approach to a whole event, either as a soloist or with a group of entertainers.
DANTE FERRARA has recorded many albums and has appeared in stage productions and on TV and radio. His current CD, a solo recording entitled ‘Bassadanza' features his Italian repertoire including many items never previously recorded.
"Full marks for enterprise and imagination! This extraordinary disc is the calling card of a real Renaissance man, who appears looking roguish in suitably flamboyant Italian attire on the sleeve insert. The repertory is a wide-ranging collection of Italian songs and dances from 1517 to 1617, plus a couple of Ferrara's own compositions. This disc has more variety than one has a right to expect, a good helping of seriously unusual repertory and plenty of gioia. Highlights include some very successful playing on orpharion and cittern and vigorously uninhibited strumming on the colascione." - Early Music Review
For Weddings -
He can provide -
- Music for the drinks reception and photos on hurdy gurdy
- Pipe the Bride and Groom into the meal with English Bagpipes
- He then will stroll through the tables playing lute, cittern and other instruments, basically interacting and entertaining guests. Dante doesn't sit in the corner to play - he enjoys mingling with and entertaining the guests.
Testimonials:
Dear Classique
A few words to express our absolute delight and pleasure of Dante's performance at our wedding - all our guests were entertained superbly and have commented on Dante's enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment.
We were both pleased and want to say a huge ‘Thank You' for your time, effort and energy in helping us to create such a fantastic wedding. The Bestman was overwhelmed by his song and we were pleasantly surprised by Dante's repertoire.
Again many, many thanks Yours truly
Stephen and Saffron Baker
THE THINGS THEY SAID
"Bloody 'ell, you really can play that thing!"... Bill Wyman
"Brilliant!"... TVAM
"Exciting"... HRH The Prince Andrew"
I really like your music"... Meatloaf
"Could you sing another [bawdy ballad]?" The Duchess of York
"So, how does the hurdy-gurdy actually work?" thousands of happy and intrigued listeners
"Good afternoon"... HRH The Prince Edward
