Silvio De Pra

Beautiful Music CD
We give you an Evening with Silvio De Pra singing songs you will remember
Listen to the Sound

The beautiful voice and accordion of Silvio De Pra is backed by some of New Zealand's finest musicians and arrangements by Gary Daverne. A listening pleasure for all lovers of Italian song and beautiful music.

US$12 or the Euro equivalent plus postage.
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Tracks:

1. Quando M'innamoro
2. That's Amore
3. Moonlight Lady
4. Amore Scusami
5. Cavalcata Al Circo
6. Amigos Para Siempre
7. Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu
8. To All The Girls I Loved Before
9. Lambada
10. The Wedding

11. Tarantella
12. Santa Lucia
13. Finiculi Finicula
14. La Vie En Rose
15. Mamma
16. Zorba Dance - The Greek
17. Quien Sera
18. Those Were The Days
19. Grazie - Thanks

Sound Files:
Name	Time	.wav file	.au file

Quando M'innamoro	30 sec	658k	239k
That's Amore	10 sec	211k	77k
Amore Scusami	32 sec	689k	250k
Cavalcata Al Circo	32 sec	629k	229k
Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu - Volare	32 sec	695k	252k
Mamma	34 sec	726k	264k
Quien Sera'	28 sec	602k	219k

Biography

Born in Belluno, Northern Italy, at the age of ten Silvio De Pra began to play the accordion and at twelve joined his fathers dance band. They performed at many Italian weddings, often lasting from the afternoon to well into the hours of the next day. He still remembers playing his accordion until so tired he could hardly continue to hold it.

At eighteen years of age he formed his own band, playing all around the Belluno province. When work became scarce in his own village Silvio moved away to find employment and was lucky to be able to supplement his income by playing the accordion. After some time he moved to Switzerland, where the Basori Company (for whom he worked) had international operations that took him to Belgium, Denmark, England and in 1955 to New Zealand where he has lived since.

Silvio fell in love with New Zealand and New Zealanders fell in love with him. He was engaged to broadcast with IXR Radio station band as a guest in the evenings and on weekends he would entertain the crowds at The Rivertea Cabaret. After six months Silvio moved to Auckland and in 1958 he became a full-time entertainer. In 1987, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir Robert Muldoon presented Silvio with the Benny Award from The Variety Artist Club. During his years in Auckland he continued broadcasting for Radio and Television and also performed at The Wintergarden Lounge. The Sorrento, Fagels, Pinesong, Hi Diddle Griddle, The Dutch Kiwi, Poenamo, The Intercontinental Hotel and many private functions. Today you will find him still at private functions or at Santa Lucia or The Colosseo Restaurants.

Silvio would have to be one of the most popular cultural ambassadors Italy has ever had in New Zealand, where he feels part of the scene. He became naturalised as soon as he was able to in 1960. He and his New Zealand wife Lesley have two daughters, Gianna and Chiara.

Silvio now plays an accordion with MIDI attached which enables him to accompany his singing with a full sound. This tremendous flexibility takes away the need of a backing group, making Silvio one of the most versatile, and self contained solo artists in New Zealand. He has an endless repertoire of international music from romantic European to the melodic masterpieces of Italy

Silvio has made a large contribution to the accordion in New Zealand as Chairman of the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand and has been an examiner for many years. He is also a regular adjudicator at the New Zealand Accordion Championships. He recorded "Souvenirs for You" in 1981 and has now recorded "An Evening with Sivio de Pra" on both CD and Cassette.