Rosanna Riverso

Hamilton - "Canada - where we eat our own". Those poignant words from singer/songwriter, Ian Thomas, elicited laughter from the audience who attended the last night of the Hamilton Music Awards on November 20, 2011.
Ian delivered his acceptance speech of the Hamilton Music Award for Lifetime Achievement with the humour for which he's famous. In a rousing video tribute to him, Hamilton's Bob Doidge of Grant Ave Studios, along with Canadian guitarist, Ric Emmett and others, spoke of Ian's caring, dedication, perseverance and never-ending sense of humour, necessary traits for the many aspiring musicians seated in that audience. Mayor of Hamilton, Bob Bratina, himself a musician over many years, was on stage with Emmett during the award presentation. But it was last year's recipient of the same award, singer/songwriter John Ellison, who, with his melodious and powerful voice sang, not called Ian to the stage to thunderous applause. This was one memorable moment at the 2011 Hamilton Music Awards.

Viga Boland
John Ellison presents the Hamilton Music Award for Lifetime Achievement to singer/songwriter, Ian Thomas
Like this image2
Shortly thereafter, the audience was treated to a 2-song set from Ian. As he delivered his famous hit, "Painted Ladies", he invited the audience to sing along on the well-known refrain. And sing people did, increasing the feeling that this was indeed a home-town event. There was little of the glamour one associates with major award shows i.e. gorgeous women in expensive, clingy gowns primping on a red carpet. This was a blue-jean, not bow-tie event but with one colourful and outlandish exception: local rocker and funny man, Mickey De Sadist of the Forgotten Rebels, who presented the award for Punk Rock Recording of the Year cracked up the audience with his massive pink bow-tie and top hat:
But while the awards were being presented inside the McIntyre Theatre, there was lots of posing, chatter and networking also taking place outside in the foyer where the award-winners were brought around from backstage for photos in front of a large back-drop with Hamilton Music Awards printed all over it. Wine was being served in the lobby and a DJ was constantly spinning music.

Viga Boland
Local punk rocker and funny man, Mickey De Sadist at the 2011 Hamilton Music Awards
Like this image2
A comprehensive list of the major Hamilton Music Award winners, along with many photos from the event, is available online in today's HAMILTON SPECTATOR. Multiple award-winners included singer/songwriter, Jeremy Fisher, who earned Record of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Male Artist of the Year for his most recent release, "Flood".

Viga Boland
Jeremy Fisher, songwriter, male artist and record of the year Award winner performs at the Hamilton Music Awards 2011
Like this image2
The rock-country band, the Dinner Belles, took home awards for New Group of the Year and Alternative Country Recording of the Year. Their live performance at the awards show of one of their songs proved how deserving they were of the accolades.
The show opened to the enjoyable reggae sounds of the Riddim Riders who had also been nominated for a couple of awards. Master beat-boxer, Jay Hachey wowed the audience with his beat-boxing skills before presenting the award for Rap/Hip Hop Recording of the year to Canadian Winter. And while the audience didn't get to hear the beautiful voice of Rosanna Riverso who has been performing around Hamilton for years, they did get to see her gracefully accept the award for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Viga Boland
Rosanna Riverso is the Hamilton Music Awards Female Vocalist of 2011
Like this image2
The People's Choice award for local group went to Live How You Live. This group,
captured the attention of an international audience with their song “One Life” being personally selected by Yoko Ono to commemorate her late husband John Lennon’s vision for peace and love in the world.
The night ended with the host, Tom Wilson, telling attendees there were free drinks for everyone at popular watering hole, Corktown, but it appears the real after-awards party took place much later at This Ain't Hollywood. According to local photographer, Gabriel Nicholson, on his facebook page:
This Ain't Hollywood kicked a-- tonight. Thanks to Tom Wilson, Harlan Pepper, The Ascot Royals and Engine Empire for a killer show, as well as Jesse Dore and Madeline Wilson (can barely see the screen, let alone speel, sorry Maddy) and all the staff at This aint and Lou Molinaro for a killer evening.

Viga Boland
Tom Wilson of the band, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, added humour and some expletives to his role as host of the 2011 Hamilton Music Awards.
Like this image3


Read more: http://digitaljournal.com/article/314789#ixzz1h5nT2qoz - Digital Journal

Weekend a feast for Italian singer


Rosanna Riverso. Meadowvale vocalist Rosanna Riverso is taking her sound to Hollywood this weekend for the Feast of San Gennaro festival.
There's just something special about the Italian language for Meadowvale vocalist Rosanna Riverso.
A first-generation Canadian born to Italian immigrants, Riverso's childhood was filled with pleasant memories listening to classical music and trips to the theatre to experience the wonders of opera. Clearly, it shaped her desire to become a singer.
"My father (Gabriel) wasn't your typical Italian man, he loved music and theatre and I think it worked out for him because he had three daughters," said Riverso, who's preparing for a pair of performances this weekend in Los Angeles as part of the Feast of San Gennaro festival. "Growing up, it seemed Luciano Pavarotti was always on the radio. I developed a love for classical Italian music at a young age because I was always surrounded by it."
After hearing about this weekend's festival, Riverso dashed off a resume and a video of her performing. A response indicating she had been selected for a pair of shows on the main stage, Friday at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., was welcome news.
"It's a great opportunity to perform in Hollywood and you never know who might happen to be in the crowd," said Riverso, with a laugh. "I'm certainly going to enjoy myself."
Growing up in Hamilton, the vocalist received further introduction to classical music through the Hamilton Children's Choir. As she entered her teens, she veered off and explored a variety of other styles and music forms.
Eventually, the lyrical soprano settled on a theatrical, soaring style of vocals.
"I do enjoy other music, but the reason why I bring the operatic style to classical is because I enjoy singing that way and it really suits my voice," said Riverso. "I also love to sing in another language because it allows you to touch people on different levels. There's something about the Italian language that's so beautiful to hear; it's very passionate."
The vocalist is currently working on her debut album. Selections from it, including the original songs Amami and Notti Magiche, can be heard at www.rosannariverso.com.
Some of the songs will be in English as well as Italian and Riverso's also working on a track in Latin.
"It took me some time to experiment and find my voice," she said. "I've discovered what I want to say and what I want people to feel through the music." - Mississauga News

Meadowvale singer Rosanna Riverso is set to release her debut album, Let There Be Peace, this Sunday.
Riverso will celebrate the new album, which is a collection of sacred arias, covers and original Christian contemporary songs, with a release party at St. Matthew Parish in Oakville.
Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. To purchase, call 905-825-0219.
The album includes performances by guest artists Amanda Martinez and Juno Award-nominated singer/songwriter Mark Masri. Riverso said having the two lend their talents to her new album was a "wonderful" experience.
During Sunday's performance, Riverso will be joined by pianist Christabel Pinto, guitarist Kevin Laliberte, bassist Drew Birston and percussionist Chendy Leon.
Growing up in Hamilton, the vocalist received training in classical music through the Hamilton Children's Choir. As she entered her teens, she veered off and explored a variety of other styles and music forms.
Eventually, the lyrical soprano settled on a theatrical, soaring style of vocals.
"I do enjoy other music, but the reason why I bring the operatic style to classical is because I enjoy singing that way and it really suits my voice," Riverso previously told The News. "I also love to sing in another language because it allows you to touch people on different levels. There's something about the Italian language that's so beautiful to hear. It's very passionate."
Riverso will also perform June 13 at Hamilton's Ivor Wynn Stadium as part of the St. Anthony of Padua Festival. Admission to the festival is free.
For more information, visit www.rosannariverso.com.
cclay@mississauga.net - Mississauga News

Everything about Rosanna Riverso is multidimensional...Her contrasting interests in academics and the arts; her opposing strengths of business savviness and creativity; her fusion of musical genres; her versatility in songwriting; and her multifaceted voice.


Rosanna explained that being raised by hardworking Italian parents, who had to find their own multiple strengths to make ends meet when they first immigrated to Canada, instilled in her a desire to be a "balanced" individual. As a teenager, although music, drama, and visual arts were her passion, she also placed an importance on her academic studies and indeed flourished at them, receiving numerous awards and being given the privilege of acting as class valedictorian. During her years at Wilfrid Laurier University, her scholastic success continued as she garnered various scholarships for achieving top marks in her class and was part of the minority of business students selected for the school's renowned co-op program.

It was during her co-op placement terms working in the field of marketing that Rosanna honed the skills she uses today as her own manager and promoter, creating the prolific opportunities that allow her to capitalize on both her musical and business abilities.

After years of private classical music studies, Rosanna began experimenting with different genres of music.

Anyone who has heard her sing an operatic aria followed by a contemporary ballad or swinging jazz standard is surprised and impressed by her vocal versatility and eclectic musical background and training. However, what truly sets this Italian-Canadian beauty apart from the rest is her strong songwriting. Her original jazz song "No More" was nominated for Best Jazz Recording at the 2007 Ontario Independent Music Awards. More recently, her original classical-crossover song Notti Magiche and her self-penned version of the sacred hymn Ave Maria were picked up by major record label EMI Netherlands for a CD compilation package called Romantic Voices, putting Rosanna in the great company of international artists like Il Divo, Placido Domingo, Paul Potts, Susan Boyle, and Sarah Brightman.

Some of her other notable achievements include her performance for Academy Award winner Michael Douglas, singing with Sony Music recording artists The Priests at their 2009 Toronto concert, and performing at Jimmy Kimmel's San Gennaro Festival in Hollywood, California. She was also honoured to be asked by the Telelatino (TLN) Network to host its 5-part TV series tribute on Luciano Pavarotti, who is one of her biggest musical idols, making this experience one of her favourites to date.

Another layer to this young woman is her fervent passion for charitable causes. Rosanna strongly believes that it is her duty to use her talents for the greater good, and enjoys donating her time and musical gifts for various charitable events. She was founder and chair of Harmony for Hope, a benefit dinner and concert that raised close to $60,000 for the Juravinski Cancer Centre in her hometown of Hamilton. Rosanna also recently created an annual concert tour in churches across Ontario and beyond, something she calls the "Peace Concert Tour", where she sings sacred songs, spreads the Christian faith, and raises much needed funds for local churches and charities. This concert tour caught the attention of Reverend Thomas Rosica, C.E.O. of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, who contacted Rosanna and arranged to have one of her upcoming performances filmed and broadcasted on his Catholic specialty channel.

The October concert which featured a four-piece musical ensemble and surprise guest performances, including a unique and inspiring collaboration with local sand artist Moran Arbuthnot, was filmed in Toronto's gorgeous Renaissance-Style church of St. Paul's Basilica and was aired nationally on Salt + Light TV this past December.

Rosanna's latest album called Let There Be Peace is an enchanting musical collection, including classical sacred arias, much-loved contemporary pieces, and inspirational Christian original songs. Creating this beautifully eclectic album gave Rosanna the opportunity to add yet another dimension to her persona. On top of singer, songwriter, and arranger, Rosanna can now add the title of "producer" to her resume, as she self-produced this latest album with Juno Award winning recording engineer Michael Haas of Inception Sound Studios in Toronto. She also brought in some of her musical friends to help make the CD sound so captivating, like renowned Latin-Jazz Songstress Amanda Martinez who performs with Rosanna a fresh interpretation of the old classic Let There Be Peace On Earth, the title track of the album. Rosanna's good friend, EMI Recording Artist and Juno Nominated Singer-Songwriter Mark Masri, also performs with Rosanna on the album, singing the beautifully haunting duet Waiting that they wrote together.

As if singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, manager, and promoter were not enough, Rosanna Riverso shares that she has one more role she would like to take on – a playwright. Although she is able to use her passion and skill for writing when she comes up with the lyrics to her songs, Rosanna says that she longs for the opportunity to develop a more detailed story filled with many interesting and complex characters, something that is impossible to accomplish in a typical 3 minute song. Rosanna explains that she has always loved writing and making up stories. She recalls coming up with plays when she was only a junior student in grade school and auditioning her fellow classmates during recess for school-wide performances she convinced her teachers and principal she could deliver. Clearly, Rosanna was smooth and business savvy even as a child. With this new goal of one day becoming a playwright now set in place, who knows what the future holds for this multi-talented young woman. - VIVO Magazine

Hamilton’s very own Rosanna Riverso has exploded onto the
music scene as a highly acclaimed songstress that is determined to prevail. From an early age, Riverso began belting out her sweet voice in religious performances. Today, she is working hard on producing a new album, which she plans to release late this year. Th e modest singer-songwriter says she couldn’t have done it all without support from her family and friends.
CL: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the music business?
RR: There’s a lot of competition, and a lot of talented people, and you will hear a lot of “no’s” before you hear the “yes.”
CL: How do you apply your business degree from Wilfred Laurier University to your singing?
RR: Everything you do is business. I’ve really been able to use the skills that I learned in university to help market myself.
[View with PicLens]

CL: Tell me about your new album that you’re working on.
RR: I use a more operatic technique to the singing. There will be other songs that will be a little softer, a little bit ethereal, and even new-age sounding. I am trying my best to fuse all of the music styles that I love … Italian, Latin, and a lot of Middle Eastern sounds and instruments.
CL: How did you feel when you first heard you were invited to perform on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Main Stage at the Feast of San Gennaro in Hollywood, CA?
RR: I had originally found out about the festival last year and contacted the organizers to find out what the requirements were to submit as an entertainer for the festival. At that time I had actually found out about it too late. I felt a little discouraged, but I made a note at that time of when they would be looking for submissions for the following year, and even though it didn’t sound promising as I was Canadian, I still applied. I’m glad I did.
CL: How do you feel now that you’re gaining a lot of media attention?
RR: Happy, honoured and humble. I’ve really learned to appreciate the moments and the now. I am just counting my blessings, and I thank God for everything that he’s given me.
CL: Of all your accomplishments, what would you say you are most proud of?
RR: A charity event that I founded last year called Harmony for Hope. I was inspired to create this charitable event, which raised $60,000 for the Juravinski Cancer Center in Hamilton. After seeing my mother struggle with this illness, and going with her for her chemotherapy treatments, I was determined to make a difference.
www.rosannariverso.com - City Life Magazine