A Tribute to Love

Her audience refer to her as "Italy's Voice of Love"  The performance that we covered, at the Dicapo Theatre on September 24th, is part of a series of events set to preface Giada's first performance with PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).  PBS will film a performance that follows the footsteps of this promotional series but this time with a much bigger line-up.  In fact, Giada will perform in a more spacious theatre (the name has yet to be announced), and with a 14-piece orchestra to expand her musical performance.  The show also foreshadows a video in the works about Giada's life -- the special will be aired in mid-2010.


In "Tribute to Love," (referring to all of the various forms that love can take in our lives) Giada retraces the soundtracks of famous films such as "Speak Softly Love," from "The Godfather" and "More" from "A Dog's Life."


A few famous and timeless Italian songs such as "Mamma" or "Caruso" are similar to those from her new CD "And I l Love You So" (It's Impossible," "Cinema Paradiso," or "First Time I Ever Saw Your Face") and have caused a 'state of the heart' melody with both soft and vibrant tones.


Every song introduced by the singer had a brief anecdote about her life: in this way the audience was able to bring themselves closer to her personal experiences.


Musical director A.T.N. Stadwijck, and formally with Harry Belafonte, together with musicians Obed Calvaire, Saadi Zain, and Riccardo Vogt were all talents that accompanied Giada Valenti, which added an elevated artistic quality and deeper human connection within her music.  Due to this, her audience, even those fans of Giada for years, established a familiarity and appreciation for her from the beginning of the performance.


The interpretation of the classic hit "Piece of My Heart" the song partially reveals her drive to emigrate to the United States five years ago and the experiences that left her extremely hurt.  Nevertheless, she reached success, gathered experience, along with the natural effects of living in New York, all seemingly coming together to heal her wounds, as it is implied in the song "It's My Life," which she wrote herself.


Giada came to the Big City with RCA, which led to her debut in New York after she sent them her demo.


"Regarding the Italian singers that have influenced me," says Giada into the microphone, "definitely Gino Paoli, Ornella Vanoni, and Mina."  "Regarding American singers on the other hand," continued Giada, "Barbara Streisand is my favorite."

"In America, then, my musical path was quickly influenced by typical American acoustic jazz, but never left out the melodic Italian elements."


Giada defines Italian music and melodies as universal tools of communication with the ability to overcome linguistic barriers and connect both geographically distant people and tastes to each other.


"The relationship with the public," Giada continues, "also happens through the modern means that the internet allows for, such as Facebook, e-mail, which all create constant and direct interaction between people."


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Giada Valenti's upcoming show will be held on October 30th at 8 PM at Queens Theatre right in the Park.  For tickets visit www.queenstheatre.org or call 718 760 0064