DIONI AND A TALE OF THREE CITIES

Once upon a time, a twin named Dioni Vertzayas was born in Sydney with starry eyes. Her mother was a concert pianist and her grandmother a coloratura soprano. After obtaining her Mass Communications degree from Macquarie University and being admitted as an Associate of the Trinity College of London, (in Speech and Drama, A.T.C.L) she studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before setting off for Athens. After further study at the Conservatorium of Pireaus she embarked on an eclectic journey throughout the world and the world of music.

In 2001, she co-founded her group Astyplaz of which she is lyricist and vocalist and caught the attention of veteran promoter (formerly of BMG Canada) Gilles Petelle. With them she has played around the world, (including Quebec City and Montreal – where her label CHIC VINYL RECORDS is based) and toured throughout North America. She has released two albums (“Name Your Slippers” and “Bi”) with ASTYPLAZ (Universal and EMI respectively) and a third collaboration EP; and have also had tracks featured in numerous compilations including the internationally recognized “Buddha Bar XI” series.

In Greece she has worked with many renowned and diverse artists such as composer/saxophonist George Katsaros among others, as well as various cover bands (from rock, soul to acid jazz and fusion), in addition to projects with electronica producers and classical composers. She has travelled extensively throughout Greece and performed in Ancient theatres and stadiums supporting bands like British outfits “Faithless”, “Soft Cell” and “The Chemical Brothers” to crowds of thousands. She has also collaborated with many other respected European electronic artists featuring as vocalist.

She has performed as a solo artist in Australia, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece and Qatar; and for royalty and politicians alike. Dioni is an extraordinarily versatile artist who has a multilingual repertoire (seven languages and counting) and sings in almost any genre imaginable.

Dioni has worked voluminously as a voice over artist providing her mellifluous voice for animated film, television jingles and ads, documentaries, video and board games, in addition to educational and promotional videos; as well as a brief stint as co-host for a radio show.

She has toured with a children’s theatre group, and has had protagonistic roles in Pantomime and theatre. She has also featured in a short film. Integrating strong theatrical elements in all her shows, Dioni has been particularly influenced by Bertolt Brecht, Theatre of the Absurd and German Expressionism.

Charity is close to her heart and has participated in different events for various organizations including the International Red Cross and a UNESCO concert for the International Day of Peace. Dioni was present for the Special Olympics of 2011 and enjoyed entertaining the Australian athletes in the presence of Tim Shriver.

She is currently working on a solo album that is due to be released in Montreal in the coming months and excited to soon be announcing tour dates for her one woman show (an eclectic multimedia musical) entitled ‘Ode to a Crisis’ which was staged to a sell out crowd at The Factory Theatre in Sydney in June 2014.

ODE TO A CRISIS

An homage to the crisis and all its manifestations. Songs of love and loss, nostalgia, alienation and political satire performed in many genres and languages; from French & Greek, Portuguese & Spanish to Italian & English. Genres as diverse as Latin & Jazz to French chanson, electronica and even rock&pop from the 60’s&80’s.

The themes will cover all kinds of “crises” – from the GFC and emigration to the environmental, personal and moral existential kind.

It will be a musical journey and flashback that will ultimately culminate in an optimistic message of hope and redemption.

An eclectic multimedia musical incorporating performance and video art.

Assisted by a 7 piece band, an actor, dancer and a projector screen, they present a sassy and thought provoking cabaret style show – irreverent and cheeky, reflective and sad.

Dioni’s dazzling delivery full of humour, passion and soul will captivate imaginations and make you ponder your existence that little bit more.

For more information, vist Dioni’s official website - www.dionimusic.com