Marco Calliari

Montreal, Quebec
World Music
Born in Quebec, Marco Calliari grew up surrounded by the melodies of Italian opera beloved by his famiglia. Then, he discovered something very different: wild, screaming heavy metal. Hooked by this strangely familiar dramatic and expressive sound, at age 14 Marco co-founded one of Quebec’s most interesting metal groups, “Anonymus.” After 15 years and five solid albums, Marco left this project to commit to his thriving solo career.

His festive first album, “Che La Vita”, borders world music, jazz, poetry. Sung in Italian, Che La Vita nonetheless sold over 25 000 copies in Quebec’s predominantly francophone millieu. After this ground breaking success, Marco recorded a second solo album, “Mia Dolce Vita,” where he reinvented traditional Italian songs like “L’italiano”, “Bella Ciao” and “L’Americano.” This too met with his fans’ approval. What followed was an expanding audience and more recognition in the form of awards.

Not surprisingly, an international audience discovered his music. He continues to tour and divide his time between Canada, Europe and New York. These travels and his lifelong interest in the world’s diverse musical traditions continue to feed and influence his growth as a composer. His colourful performance style, seasoned by the opera of his childhood and in the theatre of heavy metal make for a show both gripping and dynamic.