MasterClass Monday : Mike DelGuidice Performs Nessun Dorma Accompanied By Billy Joel

September 30, 2019 by Masterclass Lady 3 Comments


MasterClass Monday : Mike DelGuidice Performs Nessun Dorma Accompanied By Billy JoelApparently, in order to be hired as a guitarist for Billy Joel, you have to be able to sing opera, specifically one of the most difficult tenor arias in operatic history.

This performance of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” by Mike DelGuidice proves that Billy Joel surrounds himself with the best and the brightest in the musical arena. The depth of their combined musical experience is deep and profound.

Like Billy, Mike is a composer who sings, plays piano and guitar and hails from Long Island, New York. There must be something in the water there. Some sort of musical elixir.

However, as a classically trained pianist and vocalist, I have enormous respect for artists of all genres who have technically equipped themselves for longevity and credibility in their musical careers.

And, truth be told, how often have you heard Nessun Dorma performed at a rock or pop concert headlined by a rock or pop artist? Tick, tock, tick tock…I’ll wait.

It is a rarity – for sure.

And, it reinforces why people in the tens of thousands flock to Madison Square Garden once a month to hear a fully live performance by Billy Joel and Company. No smoke and mirrors – just seasoned, well – educated and brilliant musicians who have the confidence and talent to perform LIVE.

Mike DelGuidice came to the attention of Billy Joel via the former’s Big Shot tribute band to the latter. He is a phenomenon in his own right, packing in the crowds wherever he goes.

Not only can he perform Billy Joel’s music catalogue, but also he can embody the music of numerous other artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Led Zepplin, the list goes on and on.

During this performance, I was extremely impressed with the respect and passion afforded this beautiful aria by singer and pianist.

And check out Mike’s relaxed demeanour in the lower part of his body, as he propels his diaphragm to focus and project his vocal delivery. Perfection.

Enjoy my abbreviated video of Nessun Dorma (thank you audience members who decided to change seats during this song and blocked what was supposed to be an unobstructed view of the stage) recorded in August 2019 from Section 112 of Madison Square Garden.

The full video, recorded at a 2018 performance, is in the middle of this article.

Mike DelGuidice, Music, Singing, Television, Videos
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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3 Responses to “MasterClass Monday : Mike DelGuidice Performs Nessun Dorma Accompanied By Billy Joel”

  1. jrzgrl1 October 1, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    Very very very nicely done. Pronunciations were spot on. And Billy’s accompaniment was gorgeous. Thanks, MCL – this was well worth the listen!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Masterclass Lady October 14, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    Thanks jrzgrl. It was a truly special evening all round.

    Like

  3. Richard Cramer October 25, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    It literally takes your breath away……. Wow….What a voice….

    Liked by 1 person