Gianpaolo was born in Catania, Sicily, Italy.  Catania, the city well known for it's rich operatic history and lush botanical gardens is filled with passion and romance. The Catanese are  proud of their city of arts and music. The monumental Teatro Massimo Bellini still stands in the shadow of Mount Etna, Sicily's famous volcano. The love and respect inspired by this significant symbol of strength is shared by all "Catanese" people  when Mount Etna wakes with outrage, spitting earth rumbling rockets of hot molten lava rock. Over decades and centuries it has erupted many times causing rivers of liquid lava to cover entire towns standing in it's path. It is a life that the "Catanese" people have grown accustomed to, yet are still devoted to their city that has given them such a rich history.

Catania's musical history is very significant having been the birthplace of opera composers, opera singers, contemporary composers and contemporary singers and artists.  Their most famous is the composer Vincenzo Bellini  (November 3, 1801 – September 23, 1835), a brilliant composer of opera who died at the very early age of 33.  He is credited with contributing a wealth of operatic music in many of his famous works such as the "Norma", "I Puritani", and "La Sonnambula". Many years later, these operas are still symbols of passion and love from this beautiful Adriatic city.   More recently in time, Catania is also the city where the famous tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano  (July 24,1921 – March 3,2008) was born, musically schooled and raised before reaching international success. He will always be remembered and admired for his excellent diction, unique timbre, and passionate delivery, and particularly for his sweet soft tones. In his Metropolitan radio debut in Faust, he attacked the high C forte and then softened to a pianissimo. Sir Rudolf Bing said this was the most beautiful sound he had heard come out of a human throat during his years as General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera.

At the age of two Gianpaolo accompanied his parents as their family departed Catania to find their future in America like many immigrants dreaming of a prosperous life.  The port in Naples was filled with Italians awaiting to board the famous ship "SS Leonardo da Vinci" bound for New York, USA.   

Years later, Gianpaolo followed his love and passion for music and the performing arts.  At age 7 he began piano lessons, followed by the accordion and clarinet.  By his early teenage years he was studying drums and percussion at The Hartford Conservatory of Music with Maestros who performed with The Hartford Symphony and well known dinner theatres in New England and New York City.  By the time he was 16, his mother, a lover of opera,  knew her son had a very unique vocal talent, and after convincing him that studying opera was a significant factor in vocal advancement, he agreed to study at "The Frank and Rina Caruso Vocal Studio of Bel Canto" in Connecticut.  Although the Carusos trained Gianpaolo in the traditional Bel Canto opera method and techniques, his mind was always on pop music.  His mother knew it would be  very difficult to convince a teenager that opera was the "in" thing to do, but she persisted, and  he always made her happy by continuing his operatic vocal studies.  

He  is very thankful for his fundamental vocal training  from Frank and Rina Caruso.  Although the Carusos have passed away, Gianpaolo reflects on the days of his class performances singing Italian Opera arias as they praised his perfect Italian diction on the very first try.  In fact, it was a normal challenge that at every class, he sing every new aria the first time without  reading any Italian words or notes in advance.  He is forever grateful to his wonderful Italian mother and to the Carusos who gave him their support and encouragement  for his strong foundation of opera music.

Today, Gianpaolo credits his new found matured voice to studying the opera method of "La Vecchia Scuola Di Musica di Bologna", the coveted style and technique of many opera greats.   He is fortunate and honored to study via Europe with one of the very few remaining original students of the great DramaticTenor...Mario del Monaco ( July 27, 1915 - October 16, 1982).  His Maestro is eighty years old and his mission is to teach Gianpaolo the rare opera techniques, which are not specifically favored in the new music schools of today.  It is referred to as " La Scuola Antica"  or "The Old School".

Saturday, October 11, 2008 by special request, Gianpaolo performed at Mohegan Sun Casino Event

Celebrity Chef Mary Ann Esposito and the PBS Italian Cooking Show "Ciao Italia"

Welcomed Gianpaolo Saturday Night to perform for 1200 at this Sold Out Event

Italian American comedian Pat Cooper, who worked with Gianpaolo in the 80's on Cruise Ships

again shared the evening together...Pat was also performing at Mohegan Sun (in his own show that evening),

made a guest appearance and opened the show with an Italian American Tribute to Italian Cooking

Over 20 years these two have not shared the same show....Saturday was a great feeling !

Giampaolo follows for a spectacular rendition of the Italian Classics.....and wows the audience......he was a hit to all !

"He is rising rapidly with no time to lose.....keep a sharp eye out on this performer" ...said one "Ciao Italia" fan who shared in the exciting applause.

Ciao to all !   

Gianpaolo Sings Nantucket

"What a performance....... you really brought us back to Italy....Fabulous!"

Special thanks to Nantucket Island's Premier Boutique Hotel

The Summer House, Sconset, Nantucket ..... September 20, 2008

It was an honor and a pleasure to introduce The Italian Classics of Yesterday !

from the guests.....

Thank you for a wonderful performance.....

'We love your Italian Interpretations...made us feel we were in Italy again" .....

A Special Happy Birthday to Pierce from Atlanta, Georgia..

what a wonderful large group of friends... Nancy & Steve... you're the best!

Hilton Head & Naples, Florida performances Coming Soon!

Thanks to All !  See you soon..... next season in Nantucket!  Gianpaolo....

Gianpaolo

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