ABOUT BELLA CIAO
Bella Ciao brings to life the timeless sounds of the Italian Peninsula, drawing from the rich musical traditions of Italy’s golden musical era.
Our repertoire celebrates Italy's musical heritage ranging from traditional songs and Neapolitan classics to vintage swing and jazz. We also bring strong energy to every room with instrumental pieces that create a vibrant atmosphere.
Together, we celebrate the playful, the tragic, the hopeful and the heartfelt - threads that run through popular Italian music. Bella Ciao weaves these emotions into a vibrant tapestry of songs and stories that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Si parla l’Italiano! We switch between Italian and English as easily as we switch songs, all with charm, laughter and the occasional “mamma mia!” thrown in.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, festival, private function or are looking to host one of our shows at your venue, we know every occasion has its own rhythm. Our lineup can expand or scale down to suit your needs, creating the perfect atmosphere for your event. We can even include songs in other languages (we have a ton!)
We’d be delighted to bring your vision to life, with unmistakable Italian flair. Contact us to learn more - we'd love to hear from you!
Bella Ciao Banda Italiana
ITALIAN MUSIC FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Weddings, Corporate Events, Festivals, Parties and more!
MEET THE BAND
Enzo Ruberto
Double Bass
Since arriving from Italy in 1995, Enzo Ruberto has become a respected figure in Melbourne’s jazz community. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, he has performed and recorded with artists including Eddie Perfect, Casey Bennetto, Jon Delaney, Danny Healy, Tamara Kuldin and Raleigh Williams. Enzo’s warm tone, melodic approach and instinctive ensemble sensitivity define his sound. Equally at home in intimate acoustic settings and larger ensemble work, he performs across multiple genres and is a long‑standing member of the French gypsy‑jazz ensemble La Mauvaise Réputation as well as the Latin band Amerigos.
Salvatore Greco
Accordion
Salvatore Greco has a rich and colourful professional history, having performed with numerous bands across the globe. A highly accomplished accordionist with a distinctive touch and remarkable versatility, he draws deeply on the musical traditions of his Italian homeland to shape a unique and expressive musical identity. His extensive repertoire spans a wide range of styles, showcasing both artistry and adaptability. Salvatore regularly collaborates with leading artists, bringing depth, colour and character to every project and he is also a member of the French gypsy‑jazz ensemble La Mauvaise Réputation and the Latin band Amerigos.
Paul Gillett
Guitar & Voice
Paul Gillett is a long-time fan of Italian music and has travelled to Italy multiple times to discover music of both the folk and popular song traditions of the peninsula. He also performs his original music under the name Floyd Thursby and is a member of French gypsy jazz ensemble La Mauvaise Réputation. In 2021 Thursby founded Skiffle Party, Australia’s only band dedicated to reviving the little-known but highly influential skiffle genre that launched the 1960s UK rock scene. Since 2024 he has sung and played guitar with Slovenian Oberkrainer ensemble Alpski Muzikantje.
Lorena Stipani
Voice
With an expressive, nuanced vocal style and a dynamic stage presence, Lorena brings a rich Italian heritage and deep musical sensitivity to Bella Ciao. Her fluency in Italian and operatic beginnings gives genuine depth to her Italian and Neapolitan repertoire. Her artistic journey through opera to cabaret where she has written and performed shows honouring icons such as Edith Piaf, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand ultimately led her toward jazz, where she has embraced the timeless standards of the Great American Songbook, French chanson and the songs of the Italian swing era. Her versatility across genres and languages shapes a signature blend of elegance, expressive clarity and unmistakable Italian soul.