In a perfect blend of music, culture and fun, Italian-born jazz vocalist Etta D'Elia will take audiences on a journey this Fringe World season.
Etta has plenty of experience in the world of jazz, and has a unique talent for song interpretation. She grew up with a natural theatricality about her – by the time she was five years old, visiting relatives would pay her money to tell jokes and stories. . . But music was also a force in Etta's life, and by the age of six, she was taking piano lessons.
She has performed at The Vatican twice, and in 2012 relocated to Perth from Italy, and has made an impression on the scene ever since. Now, she's preparing to play Fringe World with her show 'Buona Sera Signorina'.
All things Italy are put under the microscope as classic, popular Italian tunes are performed and corners of Italian customs and cultures are explored. Etta and her jazz band promise a guided tour of lesser-known music and universally-loved gems.
Here, Etta reveals more about what's on offer in 'Buona Sera Signorina'.
For those who haven’t been introduced, who is Etta D’Elia?
I am an Italian-born jazz vocalist, with a passion for stand-up comedy. I have been living and performing in Australia, my new home, for the past ten years and I am completely in love with Perth! Performing has always been “shamefully” in blood. My mother says that since I was five, visiting relatives would pay me money to tell them jokes. . . Music has always been the other big passion of mine. I enrolled at the Conservatorium in Italy to learn Classical Voice, followed by a Master’s Degree in Music Education. My academic focus had been strictly classical, but encouraged by a lecturer to branch out musically, I discovered a love for jazz, and I started performing with the Italian pianist Gianni Lenoci and his jazz quartet. It was the first page of a musical love letter. . . A true calling for me! I felt that jazz was really my dimension because for the first time I was free to express myself completely!
When it comes to performing, how would you describe your performance style?
In terms of performance, I am an artist that likes to connect to her audience! My approach is always very direct and simple, just as if I am having a chat with my audience, and I really like to involve and interact with them, people that come to my shows know that I will ask them to sing along, to play with me and maybe the brave ones will even dance with me on stage! Musically, I am a singer that likes to experiment and improvise. I love to perform new arrangements of very popular songs and to offer my personal interpretation of a song.
You have performed at The Vatican. . . Twice! What was that like?!
This is a very interesting story… I am classically trained and for many years I was an opera singer working as a choral artist in Italy. I was honoured to be invited to perform twice, for two different Popes, in Aula Nervi during several religious celebrations. The problem is that every time I perform for a Pope something happens to them. . . The first time I performed for John Paul II he sadly passed away soon after. The second time I performed for Pope Ratzinger, then he decided to resign. . . So it is probably good for the latest Pope that I am in Australia now hahaha. . . Just joking! I do think that it was a fantastic experience and one of my dearest memories!
And what can audiences expect at 'Buona Sera Signorina’?
‘Buona Sera Signorina’ is a show that is between a jazz performance and a stand-up comedy. We will be performing jazz renditions of very popular Italian tunes (‘That’s Amore’, ‘Mambo Italiano’, ‘Volare’) with a stellar line-up of jazz musicians – Steve Searle, Tony Celiberti, Manoli Vouyoucalos, Francisco Munoz, Asia Bisi, Alessandra Nigro. But ‘Buona Sera’ is also a show that talks about Italian culture and Italian customs! For example, I have created an 'Italian hand-gesture guide' and during the show I use it to prove that it is possible to have a full conversation with an Italian, without saying a word. . . Just by using hand-gestures. . . There will also be a 'dance' moment and much, much more.
It’s a bit of a blend of genres and styles. How did you put this show together?
‘Buona Sera Signorina’ is a show that connects all my big passions: Italian music, jazz and stand-up comedy. The idea came about during the COVID pandemic, when I was feeling really nostalgic about Italy and I could not go back to visit my family and friends. I haven’t seen them for the past three years. So I started listening to the music that my mum would sing to me as a child again and suddenly, it all came together as a show.
And how are you hoping audiences respond to the work?
I am sure the audience will enjoy this show as they will be very much part of it! In this show they are allowed to dance, sing along, and be 'loud'. . . Italians will identify with most of the stories and jokes I tell. Non-Italians will probably remember that time when they went on an Italian holiday and something bizarre happened!
Why do you think this show belongs within the Fringe World programme?
This is a show that talks about a different country and a different culture. It is a call to embrace multiculturalism in all its aspects. It is a celebration of Italian heritage but also a tribute to all the Italians that came here many years ago and worked very hard to establish themselves so that today we can all be proud of being Italian! It is also an invitation to celebrate the presence of expats in Australia (not only Italians) as their cultural diversity enriches our country.
What are you most looking forward to about being involved with this festival?
Fringe World is one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the world and I feel so honoured to be part of it! In addition, we will be performing in one of the best locations Perth has to offer to any jazz musician, The Courtyard of The State Theatre Centre of WA, it is a really a huge privilege to be chosen to perform there. Most of all I am looking forward to seeing our audience singing and dancing along, and enjoying a slice of 'Dolce Vita' in Perth.
'Buona Sera Signorina' plays The Courtyard at State Theatre Centre of WA (Fringe World) 3-4 February.
