Lyric tenor, Marco Cinque, and soprano, Mary-Louise Santa, along with renowned pianist Joe Ruberto, put on a remarkable performance which delighted all those who attended.
The trio were thrilled to perform for an enthusiastic audience who, in turn, wined, dined and even sang the evening away. The special night was made even more memorable through the intimate setting which permitted the operatic duo to move amongst the audience, interacting through stories, song and even a little game-playing. Mary-Louise admitted,
it was an absolute delight to sing for the Italian community. This music connects with all audiences, but it is particularly special for Italians who have grown up listening to such beautiful music. It is so much a part of the culture. It is like listening to the soundtracks of your life – including my own.
The performers sung many operatic works which touched the audience such as The Prayer and Finiculi Finicula. Marco’s rendition of Nessun dorma was particularly powerful, leaving the audience visibly moved. In fact, they were astonished at the power in Marco’s voice during his interpretation of the song made famous by Pavarotti (and the 1990 World Cup).
The audience were treated to an exquisite piano performance by Joe Ruberto, as he accompanied the duo in their varied and entertaining repertoire of songs.
Marco was touched by the warmth of the crowd, saying that “it was lovely to see the audience’s faces light up when we started to sing.
“They were a very warm audience and very respectful in how they listened so attentively. Some members even moved their chairs from the tables to get closer to the stage.”
Mary-Louise explained that “singing Ave Maria was particularly poignant for me. I loved sharing this piece with all the audience, it is a popular song known throughout the world so all could share the experience”.
The lauded soprano explains that they chose to interpret the duet, La ci daremo la mano from Mozart’s Don Giovanni in a very playful way.
He claims the audience was charming to work with, and that “it was a delight that [they] understood every lyric as this really added to the enjoyment of the libretto”.
“So, we played with this beautiful work. After all, it’s the ultimate song of seduction.”
The full engagement of the audience provided a perfect opportunity for the performers to interact with them. The talented duo soon had their appreciative audience singing along to classic favourites such as O Sole Mio and Funiculi Funicula.
In the spirit of playfulness, even Club President Sam Portelli was called upon to participate. Sam had a very special role in Musetta’s Waltz (from Puccini’s La Boheme), that is, to help Mary-Louise (Musetta) make the man she actually adores, Marcello, jealous. Certainly, lots of high drama, tension and emotion at the Supper Club.
For Mary-Louise, the evening was particularly significant given that her own origins are Aeolian. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on her personal family story and pathway to the stage, especially as her nonna was instrumental to fostering Mary-Louise’s passion for opera:
My parents and grandparents have passed away and I felt very emotional to be singing at the Aeolian Club. It’s where it all began. (The Italians had such courage to journey across to the other side of the world to begin a new life). I felt like they were all holding my hand as I sang, and I know that they would have been there in spirit. I have visited both Stromboli and Salina and I felt like I was home. I feel so blessed to have an Italian heritage and the exposure to the Italian culture, music and food.
The night launched a new initiative at the Aeolian Club in Melbourne, the Supper Club series. However, given that the event is at the Club, known to provide home-style Italian food, supper still involved a scrumptious three course dinner to complement the lovely evening.
Janetta Ziino, Events Coordinator for the Club, remarked that “everyone was happy to be there, it was a relaxed atmosphere that was different to the usual dinner dance format. It was lovely to see older people out and about with family members too.”
The duo and Maestro Ruberto will go on to perform at the Victorian Arts Centre and then on the road again to perform to audiences across Australia. Whilst not every event will provide audiences with a chance to see them up close as on Saturday night, one thing is for certain, the talented performers will always provide an engaging and memorable experience.
When asked if they would do it all again – the response from Marco, Mary-Louie and Joe was a resounding “Si!”, followed by a flourish of lyrics from Finiculi Finicula - “jamme, jamme, ‘ncoppa, yamme, ja`” (let’s go, let’s go, upward, let’s go). It is clear, that they relish the opportunity to provide such events for the Italian community and their friends across Australia.
Marco’s words seem to summarise the evening’s Great Tenors and Sopranos event for all – “I think we accomplished what we had sent out to do. Have a good time!”
As for the Supper Club series at the Aeolian Club, there are more events planned. The 2023 program will include various musical events such as a Latin-Italian night, tarantella spectacular and a special evening showcasing another Italo-Australian operatic star, Rebecca Gulinello (who you might otherwise see at the Sydney Opera House).
It would seem that the Club ensures that in fact, Nessun dorme when events like this are on the menu.
