The evening will include performances by Cosima De Vito from Australian Idol, Natalie Colavito from The X-Factor, Glenn Cunningham from The Voice and musical star Chris Ninni, who appeared on The Voice in 2012 and is a self-described “husband, [and] father that sings [and] performs with incredible musicians and provides the gift of music to amazing clients”.
Ninni will be performing a mix of contemporary and Italian songs, including a cover of romantic ballad La Voce della Luna by Alex Baroni.
He said that last year’s event was “beautiful” and that it was testimony to the renewed strength of the Italian community in Sydney.
“For a long time it seemed like Italian community events dropped off,” he said.
“But in the last four years or so it’s really picked up.
“People are really proud to support their Italian heritage”.
Ninni’s father is from Abbruzzo and his mother is Australian, but can speak and write in Italian.
Ninni was born in Sydney but has spent periods of his life in Italy.
He is currently CEO of a musical booking agency which provides some of the best in Sydney entertainment and wedding bands.
When asked what it was like to feature on The Voice, Ninni said that it was “stressful”.
“It was my first time appearing on TV, and having a TV presence,” he said.
“I didn’t take to it naturally.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, but I found the experience stressful.
“That’s my honest response.”
Ninni said that at this year’s Carols event, he is most looking forward to “doing what I love”: singing and performing and experiencing an amazing response from the audience.
Carols with the Stars is supported by DeBellis Entertainment Group and hosted by MC Corinne Wilks.
Besides its repertoire of Italo-Australian favourites, the event will include a bunch of family fun in the afternoon, including carnival rides, food and market stalls plus a petting zoo for the little ones, a special appearance by Santa, and a massive international Foti fireworks finale.
Head to the Club Marconi website for more details.
