Sergio continues to challenge himself by trying to reach places inside his audience that create those magical goose bump moments – the ones we all experience when we relate so much to a performance that we allow it to touch our soul. Make sure that your next event or festival incorporates the musical wonder of Sergio.
Born in Florence, Sergio fell in love with guitar soon after moving to Australia in 1980. In 2004 the composer, player and singer completed a Masters of Music with Honours at Melbourne University – studying under world-renowned guitar masters such as John Griffiths and John Williams.
Sergio’s deep fascination of music has seen him explore a range of genres – pop, big band and acid jazz are just some of the styles that have helped enrich this performer. He harbours a passion for music from the classic eras of the 30’s 40’ and 50’s – revering the melody and romantic lyricism of those times.
In the late 90’s Sergio formed cabaret/funk group ‘The Reg Cole Quartet’, releasing an album of the same name. Following on from the success of this debut album, Sergio released ‘Spirit of The Mediterranean’ in 2002 – a Latin acoustic album recorded with his brother Cosimo. ‘Chitarra Mia’ came next – a solo interpretation of Spanish classical works performed by Sergio. Exploring yet another genre, in 2005 Sergio formed Bella Ciao – a fifties style Italian/American jazz and rock’n’roll band.
Sergio’s experience has not been limited to Australia with the guitarist studying and performing extensively throughout the Mediterranean. Highlights include studying flamenco guitar in Spain, attending summer cousres in Sienna and performing along the Adriatic Coast.
Sergio’s talents are well respected within the music industry with performers including Cat Empire, Lief and Hollywood film writer and musician, Tim Davies, regularly inviting Sergio to collaborate with them on their albums and on stage. Most recently Sergio was asked to compose and perform the title track for Frank Lotito’s romantic comedy ‘Big Mamma’s Boy’.
Anyone giving in to the romance of Sergio Ercole’s performance hears not just a story, but is also taken on a glorious journey.
Renowned Australian guitarist John Williams once asked a young Sergio Ercole “what are you trying to say?” For most people this is a relatively simple question, and for Sergio the answer was found in music. “Music is another language I’ve learnt, just like English – a language I understand, like to speak and continue to learn about.”
John William’s question was one that not only challenged the immensely talented artist, but also one that ended up changing his life. He may not have had the answer to such an imposing question then, but today Sergio is singing a different tune.
“I feel as a guitarist I’ve got a lot to share and a lot to give. I really want to entertain and bring awareness about the guitar as an instrument, exploring its repertoire and sharing those experiences. When I play, what I’m really trying to do is connect with my audience, to reveal something of myself”.
Anyone giving into the romance of Sergio’s performance hears not just a story, but is also taken on a journey. Sergio continues to challenge himself by trying to reach places inside his audience that create those magical goose bump moments – the ones we all experience when we relate so much to a performance that we allow it to touch our soul.
The journey of an artist always seems more tantalising than that of any other professional, and none more so than Sergio’s journey.
Created from passion and la dolce vita
Born in Florence, Italy to parents Ivano and Emilia, Sergio Ercole is the second child in a brood of five. Sergio’s parents met in the summer of ’69, when Italian born Emilia checked into a hotel in Florence where Ivano was working as a concierge. She pretended to be an American tourist so he would show her around and as they say, the rest is history.
It wasn’t long before Ivano succumbed to the call of Australia – offering greater prospects for his family. Sergio was eight when his family moved from Florence to suburban Melbourne. “The move was a complete culture shock – I really wanted to fit in, so I stopped speaking in Italian, stopped thinking in Italian. I just let that part of myself go and embraced this new culture.”
However, within his home Italy lived on. Ivano played a little guitar and was always fascinated by opera and classical music. Although not a skilled musician himself, Ivano’s passion for music captivated Sergio and he too found joy in the craft – like father, like son.
Classical guitar lessons played a vital role in Sergio’s musical journey and when he was 16 Sergio was invited to join a band. “Honestly, I didn’t think I was that good yet, but the guitar was already part of my identity and I had to pursue it. Although I was studying classical guitar our band was all about rock and roll and I was loving it.”
The band quickly became Sergio’s social scene and music took over. It was the eighties, and guitar was king! Radio waves were filled with Van Halen and post 70’s glam rock. “I got an electric guitar and it was very much about trying to be cool – because I wasn’t very cool at school. It was about the music and trying to pull chicks. It’s that classic cliché but exactly right.”
Sergio’s parents however had a different vision for their talented son. Sergio was not only a talented musician; he also excelled at maths and science. His parents dreamed he’d forge a career in engineering. But by the age of 21 and in his third year at Monash University, Sergio couldn’t bear studying engineering anymore. “It was so dull – there was no outlet for my creativity. I got sick and went to hospital for two weeks. I took this as a sign to quit engineering and study music.”
A musical awakening
Through his band, Sergio met a guitarist studying Music at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Understanding Sergio’s plight, he taught Sergio a Villa Lobos guitar piece, lent him his instrument and sent Sergio off to wow the VCA – it’s no surprise they promptly accepted him.
“Once I returned to classical music I realised that’s what I really wanted to do. I still enjoyed pop, but classical Latin music is what I kept going back to – it’s what I got the most meaning and joy out of. It’s highly challenging in the technical sense and lyrical at the same time”.
After completing a Bachelor of Music with Honours, Sergio was offered a scholarship to complete a Masters in Classical Guitar at Melbourne University. It was during this time the Dean of Music asked Sergio to lead a guitar ensemble in a performance for John Williams who would be visiting the campus.
“John Williams is an amazing guitarist – I played Bach for him, it was an exhilarating experience I’ll never forget”.
It was then when Sergio was asked ‘that’ question – “What are you trying to say?”. John Williams could clearly see a talent in Sergio and in a rare moment, the often-reserved master of guitar decided this young artist was ready to tackle a question that would take him to the next level of his musical journey.
The odyssey continues
How many of us can describe with absolute certainty what our work brings to our lives? When asked to think of one word to describe his relationship with music, Sergio’s answer is simple… joy! His 40-year journey to discover this joy has seen him travel continents, embrace a new culture, reconnect with his Italian heritage and ultimately let go and follow the passion within.
“I serve music and it serves me back. Whatever you give to your art form, it then gives you back more in awareness, in meaning, in understanding. For the rest of my days I dream of a life of performance, development, teaching and collaboration – always finding ways to connect with people, always bringing joy.”
