WINTER 2020 Italian American Digest PAGE 16
Sophia was born into a family with multiple pianos in the home . She was reaching for the piano keys as soon as she could stand . Sophia grew up in New Orleans with her mother , Lori , who is of Sicilian descent , and her father Stefano , a Florentine who traveled often for work . At her grandparent ’ s house in Firenze , there were five pianos . Sophia ' s paternal grandfather , Narciso Parigi , was a successful singer and pianist who reigned in Italian music and film for over 70 years . Sophia ' s father , Stefano Parigi , introduced her to Italian Folk music through listening to her grandfather ' s CDs and by singing to her until Sophia was singing along too .
The Parigi ’ s made it a priority to visit Italy for a few weeks every summer , and some years in the winter , to spend time together . Sophia studied many articles published about Narciso ’ s time in music and in film and listened to the stories told by her grandmother . She admired the many musical , civic and artistic awards her grandfather received . Most impressive to Sophia was how much her grandfather was loved and supported by the people of Italy . This was evidenced by the many strangers Sophia saw who adorned Narciso with kind words and compliments whenever she went out with Narciso in public .
Narciso Parigi is recognized internationally for his work in music and film . Narciso started his music career in his early teens and quickly became a popular radio artist , enjoying continuous rising success over twenty years . After landing a coveted performance spot at the San Remo Music Festival in 1955 , his international career was launched . Soon after , and for the next 2-3 decades , Narciso Parigi starred in two dozen films and regularly appeared on television programs . Narciso became a household name and one of the most loved people in entertainment . During his career , Narciso sold millions of records and was signed by EMI and Capital Records and received many prestigious music and honorary awards .
Throughout his career and travels , Narciso stayed true to his love and commitment to the
Sophia sings for Narciso : Honoring an Italian Icon
By Lori Parigi music of Tuscany . His style and vocal technique was authentic and beautiful , as was his love for Firenze . Narciso Parigi could deliver songs so in tune with Tuscan lifestyle that he became known as the ‘ Voice of Florence ’.
In 1956 , Narciso became the song icon for the Florence Soccer team when he sang
Sophia Parigi with her Uncle Andrea ( Zio Andrea ) At the commemoration ceremony for Narciso Parigi
the team ’ s anthem . He attended the game , sang the anthem and then watched the game from his stadium seat located in the general admission section . " Oh , Fiorentina ', the team ’ s anthem has played in Italian stadiums and radio stations for three-quarters of a century has become synonymous with Narciso Parigi . Representing both historic Florentine music and soccer in Tuscany , Narciso Parigi has also been referred to as a symbol of Tuscany ! Narciso passed on January 25 , 2020 at age 92 .
Italian folk music and jazz music share a lot of similar patterns , yet both are so interesting and deep rooted in culture just as they fit together in the life of Sophia Parigi . Sophia works closely with the Italian Renaissance Foundation in their mission and has performed for the 2019 opening act of ‘ Opera in the Piazza ’. For several years , Sophia has served as a youth chorus member of the New Orleans Opera , performing in several opera productions in the past five years . Sophia supports the work of the American Italian Cultural Center and AWE
News ’ in the preservation of Italian culture in AWE ’ s internet series of ‘ Little Palermo ' in New Orleans where Sophia is a featured Italian in one of the episodes . Additionally , the efforts made by the Arts Council of Italy for continuing the preservation and promotion of Italian Folk music are much appreciated by the family . Sophia was welcomed by the Commune di Firenze at the commemoration ceremony presented for Narciso Parigi at Palazzo Vecchio . Sophia honored her grandfather by singing one of his Italian folk songs .
Sophia studies jazz piano and jazz voice at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts ( NOCCA ), an arts conservatory in New Orleans , under the direction of Michael Pellera Chair of Music . Before NOCCA , Sophia studied in jazz programs simultaneously with Heritage School of Music , Vidacovich Music , Tipitina ’ s Intern program and private lessons . Sophia ’ s interest and intensive study of jazz music earned her multiple solo and group performances on stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival each year from 2015- 2019 . And continuing , just this summer in 2020 , Sophia completed jazz summer intensive programs with Herbie Hancock Institute and another with Heritage School of Music .
Sophia works performing for private parties and corporate events , in theatre and church , and teaches piano . She works as backup pianist and cantor for St . Christopher the Martyr Catholic Church , and is a lead performer for the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant ’ s themed character brunch events .
Sophia grew up understanding the true meaning of being Florentine through her grandfather Narciso and her father Stefano . Stefano often described his daughter Sophia as “ The color of Tuscany ” while referring to her beauty and joyful spirit . Now , when in Italy , Sophia sings with her Uncle Andrea Parigi who was Narciso ’ s pianist . Sophia carries forth the Parigi family devotion to preserving Italian Folk music , love for the City of Firenze and ACF Fiorentina , the official soccer team for Florence .