Natale Is Christmas

Back by popular demand Natale Giangioppo who has been blind since birth performed Christmas carols both old and new on his digital keyboard piano for the patrons of Second Cup at Humbertown Plaza on Royal York Road in Toronto's west end Saturday morning to late afternoon.

Humbertown Plaza Second Cup owner Roger Channa asked Natale for an encore Saturday after patrons thoroughly enjoyed Natale's performance the week before. Once again Natale whose name in Italian means Christmas in the English language dazzled the Second Cup Patrons with his vast array of musical requests and selections that put a smile on everyone's face while they had their cup of coffee, latte or tea. He was named after his grandfather Natale born on December 23 just two days before Christmas.

Natale graduated with a Masters Degree in Italian from the University of Toronto, and also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music receiving a Grade 8 Organ.
He is also an expert computer consultant and volunteers as a computer instructor at the CNIB.

Up until about two months ago Natale was a regular fixture and could be heard every Saturday night performing the piano and his eclectic vast repertoire of classical, Beatles, Elton John music and much more at a Restaurant appropriately named CHOPIN in the heart of Toronto's Polish community on Roncesvalles Avenue. He also performs for the patients at West Park Health Care Centre.

In the past Natale played the organ for a number of years at Sunday Mass at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church in the Queensway area, and currently can be heard at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Weston.

In 1979 Natale and his wife Susan who is also vision impaired had a private audience with Pope John Paul ll at the Vatican that lasted about 2 to 3 minutes. Natale recalls that the late Pope encouraged him and his wife saying they were two special people. He and his wife have one daughter who is a Catholic high school teacher.

Natale concluded Saturday's performance playing Second Cup owner Roger Channa's favourite Christmas song So this is Christmas by John Lennon, following that up with Tu scendi dalle stelle requested by Rita the owner of neighbouring store Pasta International.

Natale plays the piano, organ and accordion and is available to perform and showcase his extraordinary musical gifts and talents for all types of occasions and festivities and the celebration of the Mass.

Contact www.italiani.ca at (905) 266-0644 or e-mail [email protected] to hire the professional musical services of Natale Giangioppo. Natale Is Christmas every day of the year.
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Buon Natale!