ALFIO: Live in Concert
Original air date on Detroit Public Television Saturday, May 30, 2015
Coming all the way from Australia, internationally renowned tenor ALFIO performs for a live audience at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts for an incredible Public Television concert event. The special is a refreshingly cool and modern throwback to legendary powerhouse singers like Luciano Pavarotti and crooners like Frank Sinatra, to whom ALFIO is often compared.
Raised in Sydney, Australia by his Italian-born parents, ALFIO has already achieved critical acclaim and wild global popularity. In his new concert special he pays tribute to greats like Frank Sinatra, delights audiences with his instantly classic original hits, and honors his Italian heritage with stunningly powerful vocals.
Captivating audiences around the world with one of the greatest voices in modern contemporary music along with his charming comedic banter, ALFIO effortlessly brings all generations of music lovers together. His songs tell a dramatic story appreciated by all, regardless of whether he sings in English, Italian or Spanish. Now making his highly anticipated national debut in America, it’s ALFIO in Concert on Public Television.
About ALFIO
Alfio Bonanno was born in Sydney, to Italian-born parents and is the youngest of five children. Born into a musical family where every member sings or plays an instrument, ALFIO has always had a passion for music. His father and his mother, both originally from Southern Italy, met and married in Sydney, but their Italian roots remained firmly planted throughout ALFIO's childhood.
ALFIO began singing in church with his older brothers, leading the whole congregation. By age 17 he was singing professionally in Sydney playing piano in night clubs, bars and restaurants, then later in larger venues as he started to make a name for himself.
It was at this time that he met popular Australian Radio Broadcaster Alan Jones. Recognizing his talent, Alan set up a meeting with ALFIO and the head of Warner Music Australia and that meeting went phenomenally well. ALFIO had a record deal on his desk the next morning.
ALFIO’s debut album Tranquillità was released through Warner Australia. With the lead single, ALFIO’s penned song “Il Nostro Sogno”, it catapulted his album to Top 20 on the Aria charts and Top 10 in Australia. This success spring-boarded ALFIO to Europe, Asia and the US. During a cultural event that ALFIO was hosting in Sydney, he met then Chairman of NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) who immediately invited him to perform at their Gala in Washington DC in front of The President of The United States and other notable dignitaries. It was during this trip that ALFIO made the decision to spend time in America.
ALFIO released his debut album in the US titled Classic Rewinds, which is a tribute to 15 of the greatest Italian-American singers of our time such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jerry Vale, Franki Valli and more. His follow up release Tutta Italiana was dedicated to his Italian fans, followed by Tuttu Tu, his most recent release. ALFIO has penned more songs for his upcoming English album After Love which will be released in 2015 in conjunction with his PBS concert.
While in the US, ALFIO has been touring many Music and Italian festivals and doing shows in key cities across America.
