A man of rich experience and profound humanity, Vincenzo continues to give generously. Those who cross his path are often left inspired, as he always has something meaningful to share or teach.
Born in L’Aquila to a railway stationmaster from Ancona, Vincenzo spent his early years moving between various Italian cities. It was in Genoa that his musical journey began; his mother rented a piano and Vincenzo started to teach himself to play.
Music quickly became his greatest passion. He joined several bands over time: first I Pentagoni, then Jim Malaga e i Grintos and later Don Miko e gli Oscars, led by the already well-known Don Miko, who had appeared at the Sanremo Music Festival.
When that group disbanded, Vincenzo helped form a new band, Quel Pazzo Mondo, which signed a recording contract with Durium in Milan.
During that period, he also collaborated with the Balducci brothers (better known as I Computers) writing original songs. With Quel Pazzo Mondo, he appeared on various RAI television programs throughout the 1970s, including Stasera Sì, featuring the Quartetto Cetra and Cochi e Renato. In 1971, they performed the single Bambolina di guai.
In 1974, Vincenzo left the band to emigrate to Australia, while the group continued on with new members. Just before his departure, a serendipitous encounter would change his life forever.
After a lesson at the Conservatory of Alessandria, Vincenzo was having lunch with his father when they noticed an English woman struggling with the menu. Her name was Elaine. Vincenzo offered to help, before asking if he could practise his English with her.
When it came time to pay, Elaine realised she had forgotten her purse. Vincenzo covered the bill. Grateful, she returned to the restaurant in the following days to repay him, and to buy him a beer.
The two spent time together, and though Elaine soon returned to the UK, she came back to Alessandria just to see Vincenzo again. She ended up staying in Italy for three years. Before long, they decided to begin a new life together in Australia.
They moved to Balmain in 1974, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Vincenzo first worked in the furniture industry as a quality manager, while also studying to become a chiropractor.
From 1979 to 1996, he practised both chiropractic and osteopathy, before transitioning to a career in computer programming.
Vincenzo and Elaine had two daughters, Lisa and Cassandra, and later became grandparents to Winter and Amba.
For many years, Vincenzo didn’t play music, but his passion never faded. He eventually began playing again with Elaine and recently started composing his own music, now available on Spotify.
Meanwhile, Elaine ran a modelling agency for children and expectant mothers. In 2014, she suffered a stroke, but remained active and close to the music they both loved. Her health declined in 2023, and she passed away in September 2024.
Shortly after her death, Vincenzo appeared on The Piano, a show broadcast on ABC iview and hosted by Amanda Keller, with Harry Connick Jr. and Andrea Lam as judges.
There, he shared their love story, the deep bond they shared through music and the emotional toll of being a caregiver. He dedicated his performance to Elaine, calling her “the light of my life”. His heartfelt tribute earned him a spot in the final concert.
Today, Vincenzo volunteers as a pianist at an oncology hospital in Camperdown. He continues to write music, keeping his connection with Elaine alive through every note.
For him, music is a gateway to another dimension, a way to free the mind from dark thoughts. It’s a form of empathy, a balm for the soul. “Music isn’t just culture,” Vincenzo says, “If it’s not shared, it’s like painting a picture that no one will ever see.”
