On Sunday afternoon Tempo Allegro School of Music joined over 500 audience members as the Queensland Pops Orchestra and guest artists presented ‘Viva Italia Supremo!’ at The Events Centre, Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
With a wonderfully diverse program that included classical Verdi to Italian Pop, we thoroughly enjoyed what was a joyful celebration of Italian culture. Opened by honorary guest, the Italian Consul Dott. Ludovico Camussi, the Orchestra was joined by a number of guest artists accompanied by the faultless harmonies of vocal group More than Words.
14yr old Violinist Cherin Lee won and wowed the hearts of the entire audience with her astonishing performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Summer’. This young girl has an incredible talent beyond her years. She began violin lessons when she was four years old and now combines her high school studies at Brisbane’s Somerville House with her love for music. With a swag of awards under her belt, she is an absolute inspiration and testament to the benefits of a dedicated practice routine!
Also performing were charismatic tenor trio Tenori (David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor) who gave everything from Puccini’s Nessun Dorma to Mambo Italiano! the ‘Tenori treatment’ with sumptuous harmonies and a luscious operatic sound. The boys first met singing on tour with the Ten Tenors, and now combine their sixty years international performing experience into a show that is both vibrant and wonderfully entertaining.
Vocal powerhouse Anna-Maria La Spina showcased her abilities as a singer songwriter as along with the orchestra she performed Italian classics and a selection of original music. Her distinctive voice has seen her complete two world tours with 20 million album selling duo ‘Savage Garden’ as well as perform with musical heavyweights Ozzy Osbourne, Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses) and Meatloaf.
Accordionist Domenico Taraborelli brought a lot of smiles with his renditions of classic Italian songs. Like Cherin, Domenico first started playing the piano accordion when he was four (practicing for half an hr every day!) and now he performs at numerous corporate and private engagements both as a soloist and with Irish band Murphy’s Pigs and The Latin Mafia.
Bringing a beautiful example of traditional Italian dance to the concert was Selene Pennetta in her performance of Pizzica a marino (trad. arr Rosiak). Selene first began ballet lessons when she was three and went on to study a range of dance forms that saw her establish a notable career as a dancer across Europe. She is now an award-winning Pizzica dancer. The Pizzica is a popular Italian folk dance from the Salento Peninsula that to this day thrives within Italy and the International world music scene. Selene’s enchanting performance was visually stunning and testament to her love and dedication to the form.
A big thank-you to The Queensland Pops Orchestra and all the artists for an extraordinary performance on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you back on the Sunshine Coast again soon!
