In this presentation, PBO Scholar-in-Residence Francesco Spagnolo invites you to dive into the multicultural makeup of music in the Italian ghettos, the primary source of the “Jews & Music” initiative. “Invented” in Italy in the 16th century as sites of marginalization and surveillance, ghettos ended up becoming thriving centers of cultural production, where music (in the synagogue) reigned. How did this come about? We will discuss global migrations, unexpected cultural encounters, and how music lovers of all stripes often find ways of coming together in spite of adversity. A deep look at sources, and an inspiration for today’s fragmented world.

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