After two hit seasons at Perth’s Fringe World, singer Etta D’Elia is back for round three with her new show From Naples… With Love! The multifaceted singer hails from Italy, where she trained in and performed classical music before moving to Australia, marking a significant transition in her artistic journey. Now a staple of the jazz music scene, she’s created not just a new show but an entire experience for this year’s Fringe offering. Before enjoying music that pays tribute to the greatest Neapolitan composers and Naples’ rich culture, audiences are treated to a cheese-making demonstration and tasting by La Delizia Latticini. We spoke with Etta, still in Naples at the time, about her journey as an artist and how she crafts her shows.
Before moving to Australia, you were an established classical singer in Italy. Tell us about performing there. Are the audiences different? Did you have to change anything about your style to cater to audiences here?
Moving to another country is a life-changing experience for everyone. It reshapes who you are, and this change inevitably finds its way into your artistry. For me, moving to Australia was like being reborn, and my approach to singing transformed completely. Back in my hometown of Bari, I performed as a choral artist. My role was straightforward—I focused on singing well and following directions.
In Australia, however, everything changed. I had to redefine myself as an artist. Perhaps speaking English played a role, but my passion for jazz deepened and became a driving force in my music. I began creating my own shows and taking ownership of their success, something I had never done before.
The result of this journey is a style that is now predominantly jazz, with hints of opera woven in. These operatic touches are my way of staying connected to my roots and preserving the traditional Italian singing style that is such a big part of me.
The audiences here in Australia are also very different. I bring a sense of “Italian vibes” to those drawn to Italian music and culture. In contrast, audiences in Italy tend to be less interested in this kind of repertoire, as they are more eager to explore music from other cultures and styles.
Etta D’Elia performing – image by Sean Breadsell
You’ve performed for not one but two Popes! How did those opportunities arise, and what did it feel like?
During my university years, two students from the Classical Voice program were chosen to participate in the official ceremonies with the Pope. I auditioned several times and was fortunate enough to be selected twice. The first time was for Pope John Paul II in Aula Nervi, Rome. He was already very old at the time and sadly passed away a few years later.
The second time was in my hometown of Bari, during a major celebration with Pope Benedict XVI (Papa Ratzinger). Once again, I was part of the selected choir. However, not long after, he resigned—which makes me wonder if I don’t bring much luck to Popes!
Are Fringe patrons much different from popes?
I’m not sure how different they could really be. Back then, I didn’t need to create shows for my audience—I just sang what was on the sheet music. What I do know is that Pope John Paul II was incredibly kind and open-minded, and Pope Francis is even more so. He also has a fantastic sense of humor! Who knows, maybe they would have enjoyed something like From Naples…With Love!
You’re debuting a new show this Fringe season. What can you reveal about From Naples…With Love!? How has Naples inspired this work?
From Naples…With Love! is a celebration of Neapolitan music and culture. Living in Australia, I have noticed that Naples is often disregarded as a travel destination, considered more dangerous than other Italian cities. This is such a pity, as Naples was once the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and is just as amazing as Rome or Venice. As I write this, I am still in Italy on my way back from a trip to Naples, and I can guarantee that I had a great time and felt completely safe.
Naples boasts an incredible repertoire of classical songs from the early 20th century, celebrated around the world. Consider “O Sole Mio” (It’s Now or Never) “Funiculì Funiculà” (written for the opening of Europe’s first cable railway – La Funicolare), “Anema e Core” (How Wonderful To Know), and more recently, “L’Americano” and works by Pino Daniele. I was inspired by the true beauty of Naples and his music to create a show that offers a fully immersive Neapolitan experience.
Enjoy a taste of Naples from the comfort of the State Theatre Centre of WA and enjoy an unforgettable Italian-inspired night.
To recreate a truly Mediterranean experience, I invited the WA-based authentic cheese brand La Delizia. They will offer a pre-show experience where you can see how authentic bocconcini is made and enjoy a plate of burrata, bocconcini, ricotta, and much more! Food, music, and laughter are the perfect ingredients for a typical Neapolitan night.
Etta D’Elia Jazz Quitet at State Theatre Centre of WA image by Sean Breadsell.
How do you weave your personal experiences into your shows? How do you figure out what stays and goes?
As an artist born in another country, I find myself inspired to share stories about my homeland and its culture. This urge feels instinctive and is probably typical of any foreign artist. Thankfully, my shows seem to be well-received by locals who enjoy learning about Italy and listening to our music. I consider it a privilege to be in the position of expressing myself through my favorite art form—music—to talk about my country.
As an artist, I always put the audience’s needs first. I think about what my audience likes or dislikes to guide my choices. However, this doesn’t feel like a sacrifice on my part because, somehow, we always manage to maintain a high artistic standard while keeping the performances enjoyable for ourselves as well.
This process is possible thanks to the amazing local jazz arrangers I work with, such as Tony Celiberti and Ben Matthews, who have the incredible ability to transform traditional Italian tunes into stunning jazz compositions. It’s truly rewarding to play and sing their arrangements.
What do you enjoy most about performing here and for Perth audiences?
I truly love Perth and consider myself a part of this beautiful city. What I enjoy about performing in Australia is that people are always very kind, and they seem to give me extra love because I come from abroad, which feels really special. When I started performing jazz, I was worried that my Italian accent might be a problem, but I soon realized that people actually enjoy it and make me feel very special because of it. This warm understanding and appreciation mean the world to me!
Describe your show in five words!
Traditional, Innovative, Witty, Exotic, and Tasty
From Naples…With Love! makes its world premiere on Friday, January 31 and runs until February 2.