Tours of Tuscany

Tours of Tuscany
Join this small group tour and immerse yourself in the current of sensation for a week of food, wine and culture in Tuscany.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

2008 Christmas Concert



The films above will play sequentially



The Italian Consulate in Queensland and Northern Territory in conjunction with Co.AS.It present the 2008 Christmas Concert. Filmed and edited by Alessandro Sorbello http://www.alessandrosorbello.com/ for New Realm Media http://www.newrealm.com.au/ and hosted by Damian Anthony Rossi. A Vespa Studios project http://www.vespastudios.com/ Featuring Anna Maria La Spina http://www.anna.com.au/ and Mark Watson and Featuring the Australian Girls Choir and Zosia Kilmartin http://zosiakilmartin.com/

Following last year’s tradition, this Consulate of Italy, in cooperation with Co.As.It. Brisbane, organized a free concert to celebrate Christmas together with the Italian Community and the whole city of Brisbane.

The Concert took place at the Old Museum of Brisbane (Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills), on Sunday December, 14th 2008, from 3pm to 5pm.

Performing Artists included Anna Maria La Spina (http://www.anna.com.au/), two world tours with the 20 million album selling group "Savage Garden", accompanied by the pianist Mark Watson and the Australian Girls Choir (http://www.ausgirlschoir.com.au/) who will sang traditional Christmas carols. Zosia Kilmartin also performed at the concert which was enjoyed by over 500 people

Italian Panettone and Champagne will be served after the concert, thanks to the kind support of Com.It.Es. for Queensland and Northern Territory.

Hoping to have the opportunity of wishing you all a Merry Christmas on this occasion

I send you my best regards

Francesco Capecchi
Consul of Italy
For QLD and NT

Friday, August 1, 2008

Italian Week 2009 to incorporate Ball



The 2009 Italian Week Festival will incorporate the Co.as.it Ball. A new collaboration has been achieved and the Italian Community continues to support the initiatives of the Italian Consulate. Thank you Dina Rainieri!

Italian Week 2008 Concert at Southbank

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Italian Week team was delighted to meet with the Italian Ambassador to Australia

The Italian Week team was delighted to meet with the Italian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Stefano Starace-Janfolla in Brisbane at Gianni’s.

The Ambassador praised the team for the work in promoting Italian Culture in a modern context and for the high level of cultural and artistic expression demonstrated during Italian Week 2008 and thanked the team for supporting the Consuls initiative. 



From Left  – Cav. Alessandro Sorbello (producer Italian week, His Excellency Stefano Starace-Janfolla, Italian Ambassador, Dr Francesco Capecchi (Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory) Anna-Maria La Spina, Phillip Di Bella, Mario Calli’ and Cav. Stephen Pellegrino

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Opening of Puccini Spectacular by the Italian Consul.


Presented As part of Italian Week 2008. Dr. Francesco Capecchi, Consul of Italy for Queensland and Northern Territory officially opens the Puccini Spectacular featuring Rosario La Spina. The Puccini Spectacular was held at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane. Internationally renowned artist born in Brisbane Italian/Australian Tenor with experiences at ‘La Scala di Milano’ Rosario La Spina recreates the power and passion of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini as we mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. You will be moved by beautifully stirring arias and choruses from Turandot, Madama Butterfly and La Bohème then experience a full production of Act I of Tosca, culminating in the magnificent Te Deum procession. With a star-studded cast in the majestic surrounds of St John’s Cathedral, this spectacular celebration of Puccini’s extraordinary musical legacy will inspire and uplift. Jacqueline Mabardi as Tosca, Rosario La Spina as Cavaradossi, Jeffrey Black as Scarpia Brisbane Symphony Orchestra & The Queensland Choir, conducted by Antoni Bonetti.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Friday, June 20, 2008

Opening Speech by Dr Francesco Capecchi Consul of Italy

Dr Francesco Capecchi opening Speech for the Festa della Repubblica May 31st 2008 at the QUT Art Musuem.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Italian Week 2008 Concert Suncorp PIazza

Francesco Capecchi, Elio Marzullo, Anna-Maria La Spina, Alessandro Sorbello, Ronnie Peers, Frank Paolino, Enxa Pantano, Emily Bourke, Shandell Tosoni, Georgia Cupples, Jason Barry-Smith, Damian Rossi, Peter Cupples, Alex Raineri. Italian Week 2008 www.ItalianWeek.com.au - Alessandro Sorbello - Producetions

Friday, June 6, 2008

Promo clip for Italian Week 2008

Promo clip for Italian Week 2008

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Italian Week in the News

Italian Food and Wine Tastings. Brisbane Queensland Showcasing Italian producers, Sirianni’s Fine Foods brings together as selection of Italian food and beverage suppliers to offer exhibitions and tastings.
http://www.foodandwinetrails.com.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1803

The world of the Italian music doesn’t usually come up in Brisbane’s music scene, but with the help of Italian week 2008, Brisbane is about to discover a whole new music world.
Italian week 2008 will be from the 26th of May to the 1st of June. The weeklong affair will encompass all things Italian, including an impressive line-up of performances from brilliant artist’s
http://wine90.blogspot.com/2008/03/allegrini-amarone-classico.html

Designer DePazzi presented by Alessandro Sorbello Productions http://www.alessandrosorbello.com Bruce Tully Fashion Designer will feature as part of Italian Week 2008 in Brisbane http://www.italianweek.com.au Italian Festival is produced by Alessandro Sorbello for the Italian Consulate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU-7uWNh960

Brisbane residents will be afforded the opportunity to enjoy a parade from locally created, nationally celebrated fashion powerhouse Elio Moda as Italian Week wraps up at the Suncorp Piazza.http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/whatson/italian-week-fashion-parade/2008/05/30/1211654307833.html

The highlight of Italian Week 2008 is undoubtedly the Italian Week Concert at Suncorp Piazza with music lovers invited to a delightful afternoon of performances. Anna-Maria La Spina, the gifted singer-songwriter who sold over 20 million copies of her Savage Garden album, will join a host of Italian artists to mark the occasion.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/whatson/italian-week-concert/2008/05/30/1211654307862.html

Italian Week is designed to promote and celebrate Italian culture, artistry and lifestyle. Be a part of a thrilling, amazing, entertaining and above all mystifying adventure through Italy, with food and wine exhibitions, music, fashion parades and dance, the festival is fun for all ages. http://www.majoreventsbrisbane.com/%5Cnews-and-events%5Cevent.aspx?id=615

TRUE blue country girl Shandell Tosoni may sing country music and ride horses on the Gold Coast, but if she goes to Italy, the songstress will tackle the undulating notes of jazz. She is one of two finalists up for the Pellegrino Scholarship, which will be awarded this weekend at the finale of Italian Week in Brisbane. Originally from Dimbulah in far north Queensland, the 21-year-old is currently writing songs for her debut album while working at Outback Spectacular.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/05/26/11577_more-gold-coast-gig-guide.html

No lire to fly to Rome or Milan? No problem - it is possible to have an authentic Italian experience in Brisbane, if you just know where to go. La Dolce Vita Restaurant at Park Road is the unofficial Italian heart of Brisbane and a good place to start your tour of Brisbane Italian-Style with l’espresso.
http://www.queenslandweekender.com.au/gsec2cqw/story.asp?weekID=380&storyID=1752

ALL things Italian – food, wine, rich culture, music, literature, history, sport, design, cinema and cars – will be celebrated during Italian Week starting on Monday (May 26). Next Sunday the Italian Motor Vehicle Clubs will showcase more than 70 classic and contemporary Italian cars, bikes and scooters, such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini in Little Stanley St, Brisbane. Entry is free. Visit: www.italianweek.blogspot.com
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23740972-5010760,00.html

Bellissimo motors at the Italian Motor Expo for Italian Week this Sunday, noon-4pm, in Brisbane's South Bank Parklands. The Italian Motor Vehicle Club will showcase classic and contemporary Italian vehicles, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini, plus a range of vehicles from private collections, dealers and distributors.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22955278-30597,00.html

Italian Motor Expo at Italian Week 2008


Italian Motor Expo 2008 - Sunday 1st June 12.00pm to 4.00pm Southbank Parklands The Italian Motor Vehicle Clubs showcase Classic and contemporary Italian Motor Vehicles. Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini's. The respective motor vehicle clubs put on display a range of Italian motor vehicles, motorbikes and scooters from private collections, dealers and distributors. Produced by Alessandro Sorbello Productions for New Realm Media

Alessandro Sorbello interview for Brisbane News - Italian Week


ALESSANDRO SORBELLO 42 // ENTREPRENEUR

He may have grown up in Australia, but Alessandro remains exuberant about his birth country. Who wouldn’t? It’s easy to be passionate about Italy and share in its enduring love affair with food, music, fashion, art – and life.“You don’t have to be born Italian to feel Italian,” says Alessandro, of Alderley, who has organised an impressive line-up for the second annual Italian Week. “The festival is not an imprint of what you find in Italy because what we have here is different, but it is an extension of Italy.”It’s this fusion of cultures that drives Alessandro – and he’s well qualifi ed to blend the two.

Born in Milan, he moved to Queensland in 1970, but after school he returned, first as a backpacker for six months,and more recently to live and work for five years, dividing his time between Tuscany, Umbria and Sicily.

He landed back in Brisbane at the end of 2004 to pursue his varied business interests in property investment, internet communication and media production.

Entrepreneurial from a young age, Alessandro made a tidy sum as a 12 year old, picking mangoes from a tree in the grounds of Newmarket State Schooland selling them to neighbours. “My friends and I made $800 in one week – not bad,” he laughs.

His current project, Italian Week, brings together some of Australia’s fi nest Italian talents and businesses in a strong program of events covering opera (Rosario La Spina), contemporary music (Peter Cupples, who is “Italian by marriage”, and Anna-Maria La Spina), fashion (Elio Moda), coffee (Di Bella), food (Sirianni Fine Foods, Dolci Sapori and Viale Canova restaurant), architecture (Association Toscani nel Mondo), wine (Ballandean Estate) and cars Lamborghini,Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo).

The festival has the support of the Brisbane Consulate of Italy and business heavyweight Steve Pellegrino.“We’re celebrating the fact that Italy is rich with culture, and among our exports are talented individuals committed to contributing to the Australian culture,” says Alessandro.
“It’s a win-win situation.”

KYLIE LANG
ITALIAN WEEK,
MAY 26-JUN 2.
http://www.italianweek.com.au/

Anna-Maria La Spina intreviewed on Italian Week


YOU’VE JUST RETURNED FROM LONDON. WHAT WERE YOU DOING THERE?
I’ve been in London for the past 3½ years, writing and recording songs. One of my songs, More, is sung by Kumi Koda on an album in Japan that’s gone triple platinum. As a songwriter, that’s the sort of thing we all hope for. It’s so good to be back in Brisbane. When I’m away I miss the familiarity, the sun and my family. I love being able to pop over to my mum’s for a coffee.

NAME SOME CAREER HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR 34 YEARS.
I won Star Search on Channel 10 when I was 18. And I’ve done two world tours with Savage Garden as main backing vocalist and arranger. I also did duets with Darren [Hayes]. I’m not sure Australians realised how big they were overseas. They’re great guys to work with. Darren invited me to be his support at theSydney Opera House in 2006, and I did seven of my songs. That was weird because my brother [tenor Rosario La Spina] was doing an opera there at the same time. I’ve also done backing vocals for Ozzy Osbourne and Slash from Guns N’ Roses.

YOU’RE SINGING AT SUNCORP PIAZZA AS PART OF THE ITALIAN WEEK 2008 CELEBRATIONS. HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR ITALIAN HERITAGE TO YOU?
I’m very proud of it. It’s been a part of my whole life, but I’ve never really thought of it as my Italian side as opposed to my Australian side. When we were growing up, mum and dad would play Italian tapes in the car and my grandparents would speak Italian to me. It was normal to me. Singing in Italian feelsquite natural. I’ll be singing some songs in Italian and others in English [during the concert at Suncorp Piazza].

YOUR BROTHER ROSARIO IS ALSO PERFORMING AS PART OF ITALIAN WEEK. WAS MUSIC PART OF FAMILY LIFE?
Absolutely; Rosario started singing on TV when he was six. I was eight when I fi rst performed – I sang There’s A Kind Of Hush at an eisteddfod. The great thing is, competition has never come into it. I couldn’t be more proud of my brother – he’s a phenomenal opera singer. We support each other.

ARE YOU PRIMARILY A SINGER OR A SONGWRITER?
I’ve gotten into songwriting a lot more in recent years. People always ask me, how do you write a song? Well, I don’t know – how long is a piece of string? Last week I was driving around and had a drumbeat in my head and I recorded it on to my phone. Every song happens differently.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF YOUR WORK?
It’s a positive and a negative; I never know what’s around the corner. You just have to deal with it – if you can’t, you shouldn’t be in the industry.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
I’m working on two very different projects. I’m renovating a property in Wavell Heights and working on a recording project that involves my brother and me, but on the pop side. We have some meetings with labels coming up, so we’ll know more about that soon.

ANNA-MARIA LA SPINA PERFORMS AT SUNCORP PIAZZA, SOUTHBANK, SUN, JUN 1, 12-4PM, AS PART OF ITALIAN WEEK 2008. FREE.WWW.ITALIANWEEK.COM.AU

Italian Week in the Courier Mail


Italian Week in La Fiamma


Phil Di Bella on Italian Week




PERKS OF THE JOB
They told him he was arrogant to think a Queenslander could break into the Melbourne coffee market, but that only spurred on Phil Di Bella. “We now have our coffee in 100 outlets in Victoria, and we’re adding 10 new ones every month,” he says, at his busy roasting house at Bowen Hills.” Phil, whose eponymous brand of beans is served in 900 premises across Australia in a business estimated to be worth $20 million, puts his success down to customer service. “I’m not a brain surgeon, but I understand sales and marketing and the importance of having a
consistent product that is readily available at a good price.” Phil espouses a “crop-to-cup”
philosophy, and his travels to Italy and Papua New Guinea have given him an intimate
knowledge of coffee growing, roasting and blending. “We don’t just sell coffee,” he says,
“we show people how to make it.” In addition to its regular coffee education program, Di Bella is conducting specialised workshops as part of Italian Week (www.italianweek.com.au). The Ultimate Coffee Experience (10amnoon) and Barista Skills (2-4pm) will run on Monday (May 26) and Thursday (May 29). Each session costs $20. Ph: 3252 5858.

Elio Marzullo on Brisbane News for Italian Week 2008


Monday, June 2, 2008

Italia Cup Promotion by MX Magazine


Letter of support from Alex Raineri


Letter from Alex Raineri supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008.

Puccini Spectacular Featuring Rosario La Spina















Letter of support from Susan Parisi


Letter from Susan Parisi supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008 featuring the Launch of 'Blood of Dreams'

Letter of support from Ballandean Estate Wines


Letter from Ballandean Estate Wines supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008 featuring the Italian Food and Wine Affair

Letter of support from Allans Music


Letter from Allans Music supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008 featuring Alex Raineri

Letter from QUT Art Museum




Letter from QUT Art Museum supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008 featuring Sebastian di Mauro

Letter of Support from 4MBS Radio


Letter from 4MBS Radio supporting Alesssandro Sorbello's production of Italian Week 2008 to include Rosario La Spina and the Puccini Spectacular into the program.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Madonna Del Rosario

From a crown of roses to an iRosary, a stunning exhibition of artworks inspired by the Catholic rosary opens at artisan on Thursday 22 May 2008. The exhibition, Madonna Del Rosario showcases beautiful and quirky jewellery and objects by leading Australian artists and designers. It opens for the first time in Queensland and is proudly presented by St George bank.
An initiative of the Wollongong Italian community, in partnership with Wollongong City Gallery, the exhibition was the highlight of their 2006 Madonna Del Rosario festival; an annual event based on Southern Italian traditions celebrating Our Lady of the Rosary. Artisan has recreated the exhibition, enhancing it with a special Queensland addition, featuring works by local artists: Madeleine Brown, Anna Varendorft, Rachel Apelt, and Ky Curran.
The exhibition highlights not only the ingenuity of the artists and their fascinating responses to the Rosary but also their diverse and often symbolic use of media such as ceramics, paper, metal, coral, graphite, found objects and pasta.
Local artists, Rachel Apelt and Ky Curran, respond to the symbology of the Madonna: Rachel, by creating a new set of mysteries – the Five Agnostic Mysteries – which reference not only the numerology of the Rosary but also non -Christian archetypes of the compassionate mother. Meanwhile Ky creates a wall of Marys that form a shrine to the endurance of a mother’s love.
Carlier Makigawa, Dinosaur Designs, and Prue Venables stay true to the traditional form of the rosary, conceived as a contemplative piece for thoughtful meditation. Similarly, Roseanne Bartley, Annabelle Collett and Julia Moretti explore historical and ecclesiastical aspects of Catholicism, using materials of Italian origin.
Gerry Wedd and Sheridan Kennedy use the symbology of the rose as their point of reference. Sheridan devised a wearable ball game from a five-petalled extracted rose motif, while Gerry constructed an untouchable ceramic crown of roses and thorns inscribed with lyrics from David McCombe’s ‘Someone Watching Over Me’,
Others, including Sean O’Connell, Jane Bowden, Pierre Cavalan, Marilyn Puschak and Kathryn Orton, produced works that demonstrated the correlation between the repetitive process of making and the equally repetitive incantation of prayers.
While for the itinerant Roman Catholic, Will Soeterboek brings the ritual of the rosary into the 21st Century with his remarkable iRosary mp3 player, which plays the perfect mantra for meaningful moments.
Madonna Del Rosario was be opened by Grace Grace MP, Member for Brisbane Central, with a highlight performance by the Holy Cross Italian Choir. The exhibition runs until the 5th July 2008


Friday, May 23, 2008

Italian Week Sponsors

Di Bella Coffee. At the age of 31, Phillip Di Bella leads Australia’s fastest growing coffee company. In just four years he has founded and built up the company in one of the most competitive retail industries in Australia. This speed of growth was recognised in the 2006 BRW Fast 100 list where Di Bella Coffee debuted at number 23. After 11 years in the business, Phillip followed his dream and started Di Bella coffee with only two wholesale clients. As a one-man band he roasted the coffee himself in one location, drove to another to type up invoices, stored his product somewhere else and then delivered the coffee himself. http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/phillip-di-bella.html

Stephen J Pellegrino - Stephen has devoted his career to to the property industry and specialises in strategic identification and assessment of opportunities including negotiating and acquisition. He progressed from Real Estate sales and property management to develop his own property portfolio. This included building and refurbishing, trading, sourcing buyers and long term tenants and their strategic development and management of a wide range of properties.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/stephen-j-pellegrino.html

Sarina Russo opened ‘The Office’ Business Academy (now Sarina Russo Schools Australia) in 1979 with $2,600, nine students and two part-time staff. Sarina now leads the Sarina Russo Group a private company with interests in education, employment services and property. The Sarina Russo Group employs over 800 people and has a yearly turnover exceeding $75 million.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/05/sarina-russo-group.html

ourbrisbane.com is a unique, Brisbane-based website which provides up-to-date local information that enriches the experience of people who live in and visit the city. The award winning website is an initiative of Brisbane City Council and is now the number one leisure and lifestyle website for Brisbane and the greater Brisbane region, attracting more than 500,000 unique visitors and more than five million page impressions each month. ourbrisbane.com has everything you need to know about Brisbane – including festivals, events, dining guide, things to see and do, local news, weather, transport, traffic updates and more. http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/ourbrisbanecom.html

South Bank is a vibrant urban precinct recognised as Brisbane's icon. South Bank has evolved over the past 20 years and emerged as a mixed use urban precinct and one of Australia's great public places. On the southern reaches of the Brisbane River, South Bank is an example of entrepreneurial development at its best, where community and business co-exist in a strong relationship. Connecting to Brisbane City via the Victoria and Goodwill Bridges, the 42 hectare South Bank precinct also integrates with the thriving communities of West End, Highgate Hill and Woollongabba.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/south-bank.html

The Great South East Still Making Families Smile. Seven Brisbane’s popular weekly lifestyle program, The Great South East, is powering into its eleventh year - better and brighter than ever. The half-hour show, which airs across the state each Sunday at 5.30pm, encourages Queenslanders to make the most of the south-east corner – with plenty of no-cost and low-cost ideas for family fun. National and international television identity, Sofie Formica, hosts Great South East along with a team of regular presenters including Laurel Edwards from Brisbane radio station 4KQ; camping and outdoors specialist Martin Bowerman; gardening guru John Hawkins and AFL’s Richard Champion.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/great-south-east.html

4MBS Classic FM 103.7 Now in its 29th year of broadcasting, 4MBS is a licensed Community FM station, employing only five permanent staff and is manned 24 hours a day by a devoted band of more than 300 volunteers. 4MBS Classic FM is recognized as the most active and innovative community radio station in Australia with a wide range of activities that engages the community in music and music related activities. In fact, so successful has been the station that it was awarded the accolade of “Community Radio Station of the Year” by the CBAA in 2004.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/4mbs-classic-fm-1037.html

QUT Art Museum is a modern art gallery located in Brisbane's central business district. The museum has a reputation for displaying the finest works from the QUT Art Collection and presenting thought-provoking exhibitions of contemporary art. QUT Art Museum opened in May 2000 and seeks to enhance the quality of community life through the visual arts. It develops collections and exhibitions which reflect Australia’s cultural achievements and progress, and promote a sense of identity.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/qut-art-museum.html

SHANNONS - INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS! - You know why enthusiasts insure with Shannons? Because Shannons and all their people truly share the same passion as you do. They’re enthusiasts – that’s why just about everywhere motoring enthusiasts gather; you’ll see the famous Shannons colours and more often than not, Shannons people wearing them. When you call Shannons for an insurance quote you won’t speak to someone who’s reading a prepared script from a monitor –all Shannons people are enthusiasts –all of them share the same passion as you. There’s no better example of this than their specially tailored insurance products.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/shannons.html

INAS Australia al servizio della comunita’ Italiana dal 1972
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/05/inas-australia.html

Porta Lawyers is conveniently located in the Virginia / Geebung / Northgate industrial and commercial precinct. Porta Lawyers combines traditional friendly, loyal and personal service with a willingness to keep abreast of the latest developments in technology and work practices. We have tailor made our legal services to suit the businesses and industry located in this area. One of our main areas of expertise is in commercial and industrial leasing and sales, especially in the local area. Our knowledge and experience in the local market is always of benefit to our clients.
http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/porta-lawyers.html

Allans Music. In the 1850's Joseph Wilkie and George Allan set up a music warehouse in Melbourne's Collins Street, catering for a population of just 20,000. This effectively was the start of Allans Music - and the story embraces the musical history of Australia . Far more than just a ‘seller' of musical instruments, the Collins Street store became a musical Mecca for the talented and famous – Dame Nellie Melba took her early lessons at Allans!http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/04/allans-music.html

Sarina Russo Group

Sarina Russo opened ‘The Office’ Business Academy (now Sarina Russo Schools Australia) in 1979 with $2,600, nine students and two part-time staff.

Sarina now leads the Sarina Russo Group a private company with interests in education, employment services and property. The Sarina Russo Group employs over 800 people and has a yearly turnover exceeding $75 million.

Sarina’s achievements include

· Joined Challenger Financial Services Group Ltd as an Independent director in August 2006.

· Member of Queensland Premier Peter Beattie’s Premier’s Advisory Board since 2000.

· Chairman and Trustee of the Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Fund since 1995.

· Member of the Queensland Tourism Board since 2002.

· Member of the Lord Mayor’s Community Trust Board since 1995.

· Member of the Queensland Education and Training Export Board since 2002.

· Member of the Council for Multicultural Australia Board since 2005. Appointed by the Prime Minister The Hon. John Howard.

· Recognised in Paris as one of the forty Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 1992 and a member of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs World Advisory Board since 2006.


· Member of the Women’s Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government (Harvard Business School) since 2003.

· A graduate of the Harvard Business School (USA) Owner/President Management Program -
· Awarded the Multicultural Achievers Award by Queensland Government by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie in 2006.

· Entrepreneurial judge (Dragon) on Channel Seven’s international reality television show Dragons’ Den (2005). Other Dragon’s include Siimon Reynolds Creative Director, Love Communications; Peter Higgins Founder of Mortgage Choice; Darryn Lyons Chairman & CEO BIG Group of Companies; and Suzi Dafnis Director, Pow Wow Events -

· Celebrated 20 years as host of ‘How to Get That Job’ 5-minute segment on Channel 9 in 2005.

· Co-authored a motivational biography and business book “Meet me at the Top” with Russ Gleeson in 2002.

· Member of the Australiana Fund to raise funds to acquire and preserve a permanent collection of art works that are Australian by origin or by association.

· Appointed Honorary Ambassador for the City of Brisbane by the then Lord Mayor Jim Soorley in 1996.


Sarina Russo Job Access is Australia's largest privately owned Job Network agency with approximately 6% of national market share.
Nationally almost 75,000 people have achieved positive employment outcomes with Sarina Russo Job Access over the past three years whilst almost 65,000 employers have benefited from our comprehensive range of employment services.
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Over 5000 students graduate every year from academic and vocational courses run at Sarina Russo Schools Australia. These courses include:
· Russo School of Hotel and Tourism Australia – Hospitality and Tourism Specialist Courses;
· Russo Institute Australia – Business Courses.
· Russo English Australia – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students; and
· Russo College Australia – Pathway to University Courses.


Russo Higher Education trading as James Cook University Brisbane is a partnership between James Cook University (Townsville) and the Sarina Russo Group. Officially opened by Queensland Premier, The Hon Peter Beattie, the University’s first class CBD campus offers students both undergraduate and post graduate courses in business and Information Technology. The University’s major point of difference is the ability to offer a ‘new corporate’ style of career focused education, including industry internships, assistance in finding work during the course, and then helping graduates develop careers after their course. The Group’s vision is to open James Cook University campuses in both Sydney and Melbourne.


Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Service provides a linkage between all parties required to achieve an Australian Apprenticeship.
Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Service promotes Australian Apprenticeships and gives advice on over 600 Qualifications. Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Service also pays Employers’ Incentives for training their staff through the New Apprenticeship Incentive Programme. Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Service currently provides a one stop shop for over 23,000 Australian Apprentices.
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Sarina Investments is Sarina Russo Group’s property investment vehicle. Major assets include:
· Sarina Russo Plaza – 349 Queen Street, Brisbane
· Sarina Russo Centre – 82 Ann Street, Brisbane
· Sarina Russo River Centre – 100 Eagle Street, Brisbane
· 457 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
· 219 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne.
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Sarina Russo Open Employment Services provide specialist assistance and services to people with a disability who need ongoing support to help find and maintain regular employment

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Georgia Cupples

Georgia Cupples is the daughter of well known Australian singer Peter Cupples, Georgia, is 14 years old and attends All Hallows secondary school in Brisbane.

Georgia from a young age has displayed a real natural ability with music, even though she has studied singing both privately and at the Brisbane conservatorium of music, its her natural ear for music that has seen her progress so quickly to become a very consummate performer.
Georgia is extremely creative, and has written some very fine songs, one of which she will perform at the concert celebrating Italian week.

Georgia is committed to a future in the entertainment business, as she has singing, dance and drama lessons once a week. You can check out Georgia's music on her my-space site, or see her live at Italian week on the 1st of June 08.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Italian Style Done Under


Thursday, May 15, 2008

Italian Week Promotional Banner at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Edward Street

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Francesco Capecchi, Mario Cali, Alessandro Sorbello and Elio Marzullo
enjoy an espresso on the balcony.


Currently on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Edward Street in the city, we have organised to advertise the Italian Week festival – Elio Marzullo has kindly sponsored and positioned on his prime location this banner. Grazie Elio!!!

Italia Cup sponsored by Di Bella Coffee

As part of Italian Week 2008 celebrations, Brisbane City Football Club ‘Azzurri’ at Spencer Park Newmarket, will stage a tournament of ‘Calcetto’ 5-a-side Football on Wednesday 28th May 2008 to kick-off at 6.00pm, proudly supported and sponsored by Di Bella Coffee.

The tournament will consist of 2 groups of 4 teams, playing in a round robin of 10 minute halves, with the winner of each group to play in the Final for the ‘Di Bella Coffee Italian Week Cup’. Teams are to be made up of adult males, females or mixed and be named any region of Italy. Registration fee is $200 per team. With proceeds from registrations going to support Italian Week.

So grab some family and friends together and form a team and be part of this fun night.
Registrations close on Sunday 25th May 2008.

If participating in a team is not your cup of coffee, you can relax on our Sunset Boulevard and enjoy a meal of Pasta and BBQ Pork Spare Ribs while watching the games. Our Azzurri Bar is fully licenced and our Di Bella coffee bar will cater for all your hot beverage needs. Bookings are essential.

For team registrations, table bookings or for further information please contact us
on 3356 8834 between 6.00pm - 9.00pm Monday to Thursday or by email to
secretary@brisbanecityfootbball.com.au

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Depazzi Jewellery


Depazzi emerged in contrast to its origins back in the late 1800s. Both Tully and Evert families were among the earliest pioneers of opal mining in the harsh Australian outback. As they worked their land they uncovered the most exquisite gemstone the world had ever seen - the magnificent fire-kissed boulder opal.

That pioneering blood still runs thick today, as both Evert and Tully step-up their quest to take the Australian opal industry to unprecedented levels.

Tully's passion earned him a Churchill Fellowship to study jewellery design in Florence. While Evert is the voice for opal mining in Queensland, having only recently stepped down from heading a full operation: mining, cutting and retailing in north Queensland.

Together they're set to do for opals what Paspaley has done for pearls, as they drive Depazzi - Australia's most potent luxury goods brand - onto the international market.

Depazzi is an exuberant line of jewellery and accessories that is uniquely indigenous to Australia. Signature Depazzi style features wild animal leathers such as croc, with illustrious pearls, coral, woven cotton, and most notably, Australia's national stone - the opal.



TEAMWORK AND DEPAZZI
The evolution of Depazzi has fused the lives of two outback pioneers. It is a story that unfolds like an epic: one that reveals all the trials and tribulations of Australian prospecting, but most notably the emergence and subsequent success of the iconic Australian brand, Depazzi.
And so the story continues to evolve, with Tully designing and inspiring through new world multi-channel marketing, this arm flexing in tandem with Evert's retail knowledge and operations branch; together they drive Australia's most potent luxury goods brand onto the international circuit.

But it would not have been such a journey without the tremendous support from their respective families. Both Tully and Evert have burgeoning families and are the first to acknowledge that their strength and support has been instrumental to their success.

Tully exclaims "After all, it is the chemistry of the people involved in this company that makes it successful, rather than the efforts of one Director or Designer. Really it's our core vision as the people who drive the business, combined with an extraordinary team of people we have attracted including: Elisabetta Gucci, tutors in Italy, photographer Richard De Chazal, designer Eva Burgija, media advisor Selena Wallace, our craftsmen, the media and many others who have believed in Depazzi from conception."

With precious gemstones, extraordinary designs, branding, and a tremendous sense of national pride...there is no question that Bruce Tully, James Evert and the team are changing the way the world looks at opals - and Australia.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

INAS Australia

INAS Australia al servizio della comunita’ Italiana dal 1972




inasvic@bigpond.net.au.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Brisbane City Football Club


Brisbane City Soccer Club, now called Brisbane City Football Club as from December 2006, originated in the hearts and minds of a small number of Italian migrants who not only brought their culture to their adopted land but also an undying love for 'calcio' (football). After much deliberation, the 'Azzurri' Club was founded in 1952 and headquarters was set up at Kedron Park.

This band of stalwarts set about the task of gaining promotion earnestly, and in 1959, with little money, great hope and tremendous spirit, won promotion into First Division. The Club then had to restructure its administration to cope with the professionalism of Queensland's Premier League, and in line with this, moved to Pineapple Park at Woolloongabba. The administration over the next few years was quite busy, evident by the change of the Club's grounds to Heath Park in 1962.

In 1963 the Club secured Spencer Park, which has been Brisbane City's home to date. It must be remembered that Spencer Park was a council dump, and part of the playing field was on the banks of Enoggera Creek. Most administrators of other clubs thought that Azzurri was suffering from 'spaghetti poisoning'. But, nevertheless, pursued by their dream, they pressed on regardless, and after 1,700 tip trucks of rubbish, 2 meters of ash and 60cm of topsoil, they had a field that was the envy of all other clubs in Brisbane.

Up to 1967 we produced wonderful and exciting football and the Club boasted no less than six Australian representatives that also wore the blue and white strip.

Brisbane City commenced fielding non-competitive junior teams in 1968. This proved such a success, that in 1969 six competitive junior teams were registered.

Supported by two decades of experience we moved into the seventies with confidence on and off the playing field, with improvements to the grounds, securing junior fields and the construction of the Clubhouse in 1974. The seventies were also known as the golden years, winning the Premiership in 1970, 1971 and 1976. Philips Cup winners, now known as the A-League, in 1977 and 1978 and Grand Final winners in 1970, 1971 and from 1973 to 1976.

In 1981 a 3000 capacity grandstand was built and on 17th May the 'Gino Merlo Stand' was opened. This achievement represented the Club's professional outlook and foresight in creating a tremendous atmosphere for the players and spectators to enjoy. We competed in the Philips League until 1986 and returned to the State League in 1987 and winning the Premiership in 1988.

Success followed in 1990 by winning the Grand Final. We struggled for a few years until 1995 where we secured the Premiership and in 1996 won the Queensland Cup. 1997 saw the beginning of the Premier League, in which Brisbane City was one of eight teams, and went on to win the Premiership and Grand Final. We continued to perform, winning Premierships in 1998 and 2000, Queensland Cup in 1998, 2001 and 2004, and Grand Finals in 1999 and 2001.
Brisbane City Football Club has achieved great success in competition at Local, State and National Level and will continue into the future with great optimism, hope and tremendous spirit, determination and enthusiasm.

http://www.brisbanecityfootball.com.au

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

ourbrisbane.com




ourbrisbane.com is a unique, Brisbane-based website which provides up-to-date local information that enriches the experience of people who live in and visit the city.

The award winning website is an initiative of Brisbane City Council and is now the number one leisure and lifestyle website for Brisbane and the greater Brisbane region, attracting more than 500,000 unique visitors and more than five million page impressions each month.

ourbrisbane.com has everything you need to know about Brisbane – including festivals, events, dining guide, things to see and do, local news, weather, transport, traffic updates and more.

ourbrisbane.com proudly supports Brisbane festivals and events, including the Official Italian Week.

For everything Brisbane, including event and activity information on the Official Italian Week, visit http://www.ourbrisbane.com/.


Stay up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane by subscribing to our e-newsletters. To subscribe visit http://enewsletters.ourbrisbane.com/


ourbrisbane.com è un'unico, basato su Brisbane sito web che fornisce aggiornate informazioni locali che arrichiscono l'esperienza delle persone che vivono o visitano Brisbane.
Il premio per il sito web vincitore è un'iniziativa del Brisbane City Council e è ora il numero uno sito web per tempo libero e stile di Brisbane e il più grande della regione di Brisbane, attraendo più di 500000 visitatori e più di cinque milioni di impressionanti pagine ogni mese.
ourbrisbane.com ha tutto quello di cui tu hai bisogno di sapere su Bribane - includendo festival, eventi, guide per la cena, cose da fare e vedere, notizie locali, tempo, trasporti, notizie aggiornate sul traffico e molto altro.

ourbrisbane.com orgogliosamente appoggia i festival e gli eventi che avvengono a Brisbane, includendo l'ufficiale Italia Week.

Per tutto quello che vuoi sapere su Brisbane, comprese informazioni su eventi e attività sull'Italian week visita http://www.ourbrisbane.com/.

Resta aggiornato con quello che avviene a Brisbane abbonandoti alle nostre e-newsletters. Per iscriverti visita http://enewsletters.ourbrisbane.com/

Program


Let yourself be a part of a thrilling, amazing, entertaining and above all mystifying adventure through Italy. Italian Week 2008, the adventure awaits YOU..... come feel the passion

Monday 26th May 2008

The Ultimate Coffee Experience
10am Di Bella Coffee Head Office, 82 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills
Traditional Cupping - This 2 hour course will begin will a full detailed factory tour where you will learn about coffee right from crop to cup giving you ‘ The Ultimate Coffee Experience’. We will then venture into the tasting room where you will have the chance to taste the differences between our unique Di Bella blends. Di Bella Coffee aims to improve coffee standards in people’s homes and cafes by providing education on all aspects of coffee and its use. We are always happy to take a hands-on approach to teaching you how to use your coffee equipment, offer advice or give tips on how to make that elusive ‘perfect’ cup of coffee. Tickets $20 Numbers Strictly Limited and Bookings Essential Phone (07) 3252 5858 .
Read More



Barista Skills 2pm – 4pm Di Bella Coffee, 82 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills
This 2 hour course will begin will a full detailed factory tour where you will learn about coffee right from crop to cup giving you ‘The Ultimate Coffee Experience’. In this course you will experience an in depth approach to the art in coffee making! You will learn about the important techniques in coffee extraction and even discover the secret on how to turn milk into silk! The word barista (plural: baristi [masculine or mixed sex] or bariste [feminine]) is of Italian origin. In Italy, a barista is a bartender', who typically works behind a counter, serving both hot (such as espresso) and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.Tickets $20 Numbers Strictly Limited and Bookings Essential Phone (07) 3252 5858 .
Read More



Architecture – Association Toscani nel Mondo for QLD e NT Monday 26th May, 6.00 pm.
The Association Toscani nel Mondo del Queensland & N. T. will organize a conference by Arch. Alessandro Barocchi on the subject: “Firenze, capoluogo della Toscana, genesi d’una citta’ dall’eta’ romana ad oggi”, c/o Cortina Restaurant, Sandgate Rd., Nundah. Refreshment will follow with typical food and Tuscan wine. Ticket $ 25. Bookings by 23 May: Association Toscani nel Mondo del Qld. & N.T.
segreteria@toscaniqldnt.org.au - Tel.no. 32525049 or gvittori@bigpond.com – tel. no. 0404542714.



Tuesday 27th May


Literary evening with Susan Parisi presenting ‘Blood of Dreams’ - At Viale Canova and Dolci Sapori, 828 Sandgate Road, Clayfield - 6pm
The Italian Consulate for Queensland and the Northern Territory and the
Dante Alighieri Society of Brisbane are proud to present Susan Parisi, author of Blood of Dreams. You are invited to meet Susan Parisi, author of Blood of Dreams at the launch of her novel of intrigue in the time of Carnevale. Come along and share the flavours and scents and sounds and mystery and passion and colours of the Venice of Casanova’s day.Susan’s award winning novel Blood of Dreams is an erotically-charged story of obsession, betrayal and murder that has been compared with Patrick Suskind’s Perfume and the lush historical fiction of Sarah Dunant. Set during the hedonism of Carnevale in 18th century Venice, Blood of Dreams is a complex journey of splendour and sacrifice. Sponsored by Dolci Sapori and Viale Canova, this literary event proudly supports The Official Italian Week celebrations . Tickets $30.00 Download Booking Form Places are strictly limited. Bookings close Friday May 23rd. Read More .. SOLD OUT







Wednesday 28th of May





Italian Week Cup Sponsored by Di Bella Coffee at Brisbane City Football Club from 6.00pm A fun filled evening of calcetto (5 a side half field soccer match). As current world champions, soccer is part of daily life in Italy and for this evening you can put together a team and play against other teams in 10 minute a side halves. To organise a team, or book a table for the Italia Cup please direct all inquires to Brisbane City Football Club Phone: (07) 3356 8834 Our office hours are between 6pm-9pm Monday to Thursday. Fax: (07) 3356 5144 Email: secretary@brisbanecityfootball.com.au Brisbane City Football Club, Spencer Park , 42 Newbery Street Newmarket Qld 4051 More Information


Thursday 29th May


The Ultimate Coffee Experience
Di Bella Coffee Head Office, 82 Abbotsford Road,
Bowen Hills 10am till 12.00pm
Traditional Cupping - This 2 hour course will begin will a full detailed factory tour where you will learn about coffee right from crop to cup giving you ‘ The Ultimate Coffee Experience’. We will then venture into the tasting room where you will have the chance to taste the differences between our unique Di Bella blends. Phillip Di Bella Says “Everyone knows Italians mastered coffee, and a lot of the first coffee makers in Australia were Italian migrants. They brought the coffee culture with them, but everyone who’s manufactured coffee here has done it exactly as they do in Italy." Tickets $20 Numbers Strictly Limited and Bookings Essential Phone (07) 3252 5858 .
Read More






An Encounter with Gioachino Rossini 6.30pm Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
As part of its 2008 season Opera Queensland presents ‘The Barber of Seville’ . Sung in Italian with projected English translations.
The Barber of Seville, or The Useless Precaution (Il barbiere di Siviglia, ossia L'inutile precauzione) is an opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto (based on Beaumarchais's comedy Le Barbier de Séville) by Cesare Sterbini. The première (under the title Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution) took place on February 20, 1816, at the Teatro Argentina, Rome. Act 1 - The square in front of Dr. Bartolo's house. In a public square outside Dr. Bartolo's house a band of musicians and a poor student named Lindoro are serenading, to no avail, the window of Rosina ("Ecco ridente in cielo"/"There laughing in the sky"). Lindoro, who is really Count Almaviva in disguise, hopes to make the beautiful Rosina love him for himself - not his money. Almaviva pays off the musicians who then depart, leaving him to brood alone.
Featuring the Opera Queensland Chorus and The Queensland Orchestra Book tickets




Barista Skills
2pm – 4pm Di Bella Coffee,
82 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills
This 2 hour course will begin will a full detailed factory tour where you will learn about coffee right from crop to cup giving you ‘The Ultimate Coffee Experience’. In this course you will experience an in depth approach to the art in coffee making! Tickets $20 Numbers Strictly Limited and Bookings Essential Phone (07) 3252 5858 . Read More You will learn about the important techniques in coffee extraction and even discover the secret on how to turn milk into silk!
Read More


Friday 30th May

Sebastian Di Mauro Art Exhibition and presentation 7pm By Invitation
In conjunction with the
QUT Art Museum Art exhibition and discussion featuring Sebastian Di Mauro, a significant Australian contemporary. His work was featured in the first National Gallery Sculpture Prize at the National Gallery and has been selected for every major sculpture prize in Australia. Sebastian is a Senior Lecturer at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University and since 1987 he has held over 35 solo exhibitions. His work has been included in excess of 90 group exhibitions and has been exhibited in Australia, Europe and Asia.


Saturday 31st May




Italian Style Down Under: QUT Art Museum 10am FREE
Elio Marzullo and Bruce Tully. Italian Born Elio Marzullo of fashion house Elio Moda and Bruce Tully from Depazzi will discuss the influence of Italian design on their respective practices. Elio Marzullo has taken a distinctive and personal approach to fashion, bridging the gap between Italian and Australian styles working towards a greater style consciousness down under. Based largely on the Australian opal, the Depazzi jewellery collection has been uniquely influenced by Italian design due to the training of Bruce Tully who has combined with an extraordinary team of people we have attracted including: Elisabetta Gucci, tutors in Italy, photographer Richard De Chazal, designer Eva Burgija, media advisor Selena Wallace, our craftsmen, the media and many others who have believed in Depazzi from conception." Bookings are essential. Contact QUT Art Museum 07 3138 5370 http://www.artmuseum.qut.com/





Italian Food and Wine at Sirianni’s Fine Foods at the Emporium - 10.00am to 2.00pm
Hosted by
Sirianni Fine Foods and featuring wine tastings from Ballandean Estates Wines. Showcasing Italian producers, Sirianni’s Fine Foods brings together as selection of Italian food and beverage suppliers to offer exhibitions and tastings. Sample exquisite products from famous Italian gastronomic icons During the day, Ballandean Estates Wines, producers of renowned wines and hosts of events such as ‘Opera in the Vineyard’ provide a window into the world of wines made in the Italian Tradition with which to toast the delicacies of the Italian culinary experience.



An Encounter with Gioachino Rossini. 1.30pm Lyric Theatre, QPAC. As part of its 2008 season Opera Queensland presents ‘The Barber of Seville’ . Sung in Italian with projected English translations. The Barber of Seville, or The Useless Precaution (Il barbiere di Siviglia, ossia L'inutile precauzione) is an opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto (based on Beaumarchais's comedy Le Barbier de Séville) by Cesare Sterbini. The première (under the title Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution) took place on February 20, 1816, at the Teatro Argentina, Rome. Act 1 - The square in front of Dr. Bartolo's house. In a public square outside Dr. Bartolo's house a band of musicians and a poor student named Lindoro are serenading, to no avail, the window of Rosina ("Ecco ridente in cielo"/"There laughing in the sky"). Lindoro, who is really Count Almaviva in disguise, hopes to make the beautiful Rosina love him for himself - not his money. Almaviva pays off the musicians who then depart, leaving him to brood alone. Featuring the Opera Queensland Chorus and The Queensland Orchestra Book tickets http://www.operaqueensland.com.au/subscriptions/index.html






Rosario La Spina Puccini Spectacular St John’s Cathedral - 8pm
Internationally renowned artist born in Brisbane Italian/Australian Tenor with experiences at ‘La Scala di Milano’ Rosario La Spina recreates the power and passion of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini as we mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. You will be moved by beautifully stirring arias and choruses from Turandot, Madama Butterfly and La Bohème then experience a full production of Act I of Tosca, culminating in the magnificent Te Deum procession. With a star-studded cast in the majestic surrounds of St John’s Cathedral, this spectacular celebration of Puccini’s extraordinary musical legacy will inspire and uplift. Jacqueline Mabardi as Tosca, Rosario La Spina as Cavaradossi, Jeffrey Black as Scarpia Brisbane Symphony Orchestra & The Queensland Choir, conducted by Antoni Bonetti. Sat 31 May - 8pm - (2 hrs) - St John’s Cathedral - 373 Ann St, Brisbane Bookings 3847 1717 - $35 Adult $30 4MBS Subs/conc SOLD OUT






Sunday 1st June




12.00pm to 4.00pm Suncorp Piazza Southbank
Music Concert Featuring






The Finalists of the Pellegrino scholarship, Since 2000 the Consulate of Italy to Queensland and the Northern Territory, together with the founder of the Pellegrino Scholarship, Cav. Steve Pellegrino, have given opportunities to young aspiring artists to further their skills and knowledge in an Italian prestigious University or cultural institution. At Italian Week 2008 the finalists of these young Italian/Australian artists will perform to a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges. The successful artist will receive the annual “Pellegrino Scholarship”. Young, local and promising artists coming to you live from Southbank’s Suncorp Piazza. Commencing from 2008 the winner will have the possibility to attend the university of music of Giulio Rapetti, MOGOL, C.E.T. (Centro Europeo Toscolano) http://www.cetmusic.it/ Poet, composer, author of the most known songs of the last 50 years, Mogol worked with the best Italian singer ever including Lucio Battisti (whose songs are considered immortal), Mina, Celentano, Gianni Morandi.



Enza Pantano started singing from a young age, you could say it’s in her blood, coming from a family of singers and entertainers. She started getting attention and accolades very early in her career both here in Australia and overseas, winning various awards throughout Italy in a concert singing tour which featured singers from all over Europe.Over the years she has worked with many International & Australian artists. With her regular appearances on "Hey Hey Its Saturday" & The "Midday Show" as backing vocalist, she has worked with a very high profile group of people such as: Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Barry Manilow, Thelma Houston, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Daltry, Chaka Khan, The Commodores, Keb Mo and The Doobie Brothers, to name just a few.Equally the Australia artists have been just as impressive; Tina Arena, Marica Hines, Venetta Fields, Billy Thorpe, Ross Wilson, Jack Jones, Peter Cupples plus many more, from all genres of the music industry. Read More




Peter Cupples love of Italy resulted in him writing many songs in Italian and performing with his Italian-Australian daughter Georgia. They will sing original material together for the first time in public. Peter Cupples, Australian singer, songwriter and producer whose career spans several decades, commencing as lead singer of 70's band Stylus, first came into prominence in 1975 as lead singer and songwriter for the blue-eyed soul band Stylus. Stylus released four albums which included such hits as 'Summer Breeze' 'World of Make/believe' 'So much Love' and 'Work out fine' to name a few. Peter works with many charity’s, recently writing songs for the ‘Make a Wish foundation’ and the ‘Sacred Heart foundation’. Peter also wrote the song ‘Best of the Best’ for the racing hall of fame, and the kangaroo’s team of the century tribute. Read More




Alex Raineri 14 year old Alex Raineri is a young Australian-Italian pianist and composer currently studying piano performance with Leah Horwitz OAM at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Selected internationally, Alex Raineri was the first young artist selected for a tour of America and Australia with the “Castles and Cathedrals” program launched in Melbourne at St Michaels Church in October where Alex was greeted with two standing ovations. Alex was the subject of a television feature story on Australian ABC television’s The 7.30 Report (2nd October 2006) and Sunday Arts (4th August 2007 and 3rd February 2008). Alex’s music is being played worldwide. Read More





Opera Queensland is Australia's second largest opera company. It performs a season of at least three opera productions each year as well as concerts and other performances throughout the state. Opera Queensland is delighted to be a part of the Italian Week celebrations, embracing and celebrating Italian operatic culture in Brisbane and Queensland. Opera Queensland is an integral part of the cultural infrastructure of Queensland and performs to an audience often in excess of 120,000 each year.The Company is deeply committed to playing a central role in the education of young Australians.






Anna-Maria La Spina - Born in Brisbane, Italian-Australian, citizen of the world, when Anna talks about singing in her favourite garden, she is talking about Madison square garden, her other favourite haunts are Wembley stadium and the Roxy in Los Angeles. Anna, is not one ordinary singer. Two world tours under her belt with the 20 million+ album selling ‘Savage Garden’, gave her the opportunity to show both her prowess as a performer and her discipline as a vocal arranger. That same tour gave Anna the opportunity to perform on such heavyweight American & European TV dates as the 'tonight show with Jay Leno', 'Regis and Kathy Lee', the 'world music awards' in Monte Carlo and 'top of the pops' UK. She has also been seen singing alongside rock stars Ozzy Osborne and Slash from Guns'n'Roses.






Fashion - Sunday 1st June 12.00pm to 4.00pm Suncorp Piazza Southbank
Elio Moda - For over 20 years Italian born designer Elio Marzullo, owner and creative director of the label Elio Moda, has developed a reputation for quality and excellence in fashion and personal styling and has successfully filled a gap in the Australian market with his award winning Elio Moda label. Known nationally for his classically chic and stylish designs, Elio is known locally for his depth of character and unique charisma that has won the hearts of a loyal client following. Through numerous fads and fashion movements Elio has persisted with his own ideas and in a manner unique to the design industry has incorporated passing trends subtly so to preserve a timeless flavour in his work Read More






Italian Motor Expo 2008 - Sunday 1st June 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Southbank Parklands on in Little Stanley Street, the Italian Motor Vehicle Clubs will showcase Classic and contemporary Italian Motor Vehicles. See Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini. The respective motor vehicle clubs will put on display a range of Italian motor vehicles, motorbikes and scooters from private collections, dealers and distributors.





Monday 2nd of June






La Dolce Vita, from 7pm to 11pm
Park Road Milton.In keeping with last year’s event to celebrate the Official Italian Week, La Dolce Vita has organised an evening of live music and entertainment for the ‘Festa della Repubblica’. Eat, drink and celebrate Italian Week at a party which will once again feature the Queensland Ferrari Club who will display a wide selection of cars on Park Road.




Other events of Interest around Brisbane




http://italianweek.blogspot.com/2008/05/madonna-del-rosario.html