It is often said that one person's loss is another person's gain. This was certainly the case when back in 1984 Claudio Parente decided to leave Europe and set up base in Australia.

That decision ensured the genteel people of OZ instantly gained not only an exemplary citizen but also a very talented entertainer with an artistic baggage brim full of experience, professionalism and enthusiasm.

Claudio was raised musically in the industrial city of Milan, in Italy's north, and was a student at the G. Verdi Conservatory Of Music. Apart from his sensual, melodic singing voice, he also plays piano and keyboards, guitar, bass guitar and drums.

He was still at a tender age when, with his newly formed group, he launched his performing career and began touring not only in Italy but all over Europe particularly in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Austria.

Claudio is an accomplished arranger and composer of music and author of lyrics and it was these latter skills which gave him the break he needed when soon after arriving to Australia he won the Festival Of Italian Song staged in Melbourne.

From then it has been a roller coaster ride with Claudio going on to begin a hectic performing schedule intermingled with the recording of a number of successful albums.

The first of these, Profumo Italiano Vol.1 (released through Colossal Records), immediately captured the hearts of the Italo-Australian public and assured Claudio a long list of requests to perform at clubs and festivals Australia wide.

The follow up to the first release also proved a winner but it was a later recording (titled "It Takes Two") which signaled a new chapter in Claudio's career with the combination of his vocal ability with that of female vocalist (and future companion) Carmen Howe.

Together, individually or with their dance troupe they have been performing and providing entertainment all over Australia at concerts and festivals, major Leagues Clubs, prominent Sports Clubs, night clubs and five star Hotels.

Claudio and the team have also been a regular headline act at the Sky City Casino in Auckland, New Zealand, and have on many occasions performed on cruise ships such as those operated by P & O Lines and Sitmar Cruises, on the infamous M.N. Achille Lauro, the Abel Tasman and the absolutely prestigious vessels of Singapore's Star Cruises.

Of the numerous appearances on the Southeast Asian circuit none have proved more exhilarating than when, in September 2000, Claudio stepped out on the magnificent Qingdao Arena in Qingdao, Shandong Province in the People's Republic Of China to deliver, on three consecutive days, what remain the most unforgettable performances of his career to date.

Claudio & Co. were also commissioned to provide daily entertainment for the world superstars of tennis and their guests during the entire duration of the 2002 Australian Open at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

Appearances on national television variety shows and radio programs, including the broadcasting of live performances from Canada's Wonderland on Canadian CHIN Radio & TV Network, are just too many to list here.

More importantly Claudio has, for a number of years now, devoted a considerable amount of time and energy in promoting, producing and directing the Italian Original Song Festival involving artists from every corner of Australia presenting and performing new contemporary euro songs penned by Australian composers.

The concerts, featuring an impressive ten piece band complete with chorus, have been professionally staged at various prestigious venues including Crown Casino's Showroom, the Dallas Brookes Hall and the Melbourne Concert Hall.

Claudio's schedule is busier than ever as in recent times his managerial skills have also become high in demand and he is currently Events Manager for the Italian Chamber Of Commerce & Industry.

GMP can only join in the praise for Claudio's efforts with the knowledge that the experience and youthful enthusiasm of such a professional artist will prove invaluable to all those with whom he associates.