Performance Programmes
Concert Dates
The name Piva is Italian in origin and has different meanings in different regions - but all to do with music. Piva can mean a dance, the dance music, a traditional shawm, a regional bagpipe or simply the reed of a wind instrument. We feel the name reflects our music, instruments and approach.
Sometime after choosing the name, we discovered some facts about the famous Bassano family of Italy. We already knew that they were instrument makers (as are three of our group) as well as players and composers who were brought to England from Venice by Henry VIII. This family then remained in London as court musicians and instrument makers for 150 years. They called themselves " Bassano" because that is the town they originated from. However, we discovered that when they lived in Bassano, their family name was Piva. - A remarkable concurrence!