ABC News’ Danny New recently had the opportunity to sit down with a Canadian teacher and his nonna, who are using the power of music to educate millions about their Italian culture. The dynamic duo, made up of teacher Giancarlo and his nonna, Maria, have been capturing the hearts of viewers with their unique approach to teaching and preserving their heritage.
Giancarlo, a high school music teacher in Toronto, has always been passionate about his Italian roots. Growing up, he was surrounded by the rich culture and traditions of his family, and he wanted to find a way to share that with others. That’s when he turned to music, a universal language that has the ability to transcend borders and bring people together.
With the help of his nonna, Maria, who is a retired music teacher, Giancarlo began creating videos that showcased traditional Italian songs and dances. But what makes their videos truly special is the personal touch that Maria brings. As a native Italian, she adds authenticity and a deep understanding of the culture to each performance.
Their videos quickly gained popularity on social media, and before they knew it, they had a large following of people from all over the world. People were not only captivated by the beautiful music, but also by the stories and traditions behind each song. Giancarlo and Maria’s videos became a way for people to connect with their own heritage or to learn about a new culture.
In an interview with ABC News, Giancarlo shared, “We never expected our videos to reach so many people. It’s amazing to see how music can bring us all together and teach us about different cultures.”
Their most popular video, a rendition of the classic Italian song “O Sole Mio”, has over 10 million views on YouTube. In the video, Giancarlo plays the guitar while Maria sings and dances in her traditional Italian dress. The love and joy between the two is evident, and it’s clear that they are not only preserving their culture, but also creating beautiful memories together.
But their impact goes beyond just entertaining viewers. Giancarlo and Maria have also been using their platform to raise awareness about important issues facing the Italian community. In one video, they shed light on the struggles of Italian farmers and the importance of supporting local businesses. In another, they honor the sacrifices of Italian immigrants who came to Canada in search of a better life.
Their dedication to preserving their culture and educating others has not gone unnoticed. They have received countless messages from people all over the world, thanking them for their videos and sharing how they have helped them connect with their own heritage.
Giancarlo and Maria’s videos have also caught the attention of schools and cultural organizations, who have invited them to perform and share their knowledge with students. They have become ambassadors for Italian culture, and their impact is only growing.
In a time where cultural diversity and understanding are more important than ever, Giancarlo and Maria’s videos serve as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. They are not only educating millions about Italian culture, but also inspiring others to embrace their own heritage and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
As their videos continue to spread, Giancarlo and Maria hope to reach even more people and continue to share the richness of their culture with the world. They are a true testament to the saying, “music knows no boundaries”, and we can all learn from their passion and dedication to preserving their heritage through the universal language of music.