Zafarán – Mediterranean Sounds
Zafarán is a Boston-based ensemble founded by Italian singer Carmen Marsico, dedicated to exploring the deep and diverse musical traditions of the Mediterranean world. The group’s repertoire draws inspiration from Southern Italy, Greece, the Middle East, and North Africa—creating a rich and colorful soundscape that celebrates centuries of artistic exchange across the Mediterranean Sea.
Zafarán’s mission is to illuminate the shared musical language that unites Mediterranean cultures. Through traditional songs, original arrangements, and improvisation, the ensemble reveals the musical threads that connect regions divided by geography but united by centuries of cultural encounter.
Crossing time and boundaries, Zafarán weaves together diverse threads such as Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk tunes. With driving rhythms, virtuosic improvisation, and the powerful voice of award-winning vocalist Carmen Marsico, the ensemble bridges languages and cultures through an eclectic blend of traditional and original compositions—combining deep-rooted heritage with contemporary creativity.
The name Zafarán—derived from “saffron”—symbolizes the spice’s vibrant color and universal presence around the Mediterranean, evoking the warmth, depth, and cross-cultural essence of the ensemble’s music.
Learn more at www.zafaranmusic.com
The Ensemble
Zafarán is composed of four professional musicians, each bringing expertise in Mediterranean and world traditions:
- Carmen Marsico– vocals and artistic direction (carmenmarsico.com)
- Giuseppe Paradiso– percussion (giuseppe-paradiso.com)
- Tev Stevig– classical guitar and oud (tevstevig.com)
- Dan Meyers– woodwinds (danmeyersmusic.com)
Together, they weave a musical journey that transcends borders, blending authenticity with innovation to honor the enduring unity of Mediterranean sound and spirit.
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