Italian music has always captivated me since my childhood. I can still recall the intense emotion I felt when I first heard "O Sole Mio" when I was five years old. It must be the Italian roots of my surname from several generations ago. I have since had the good fortune of traveling to this beautiful land, so rich in history, passion and excitement. Most memorable was a special vacation spent in Florence and the surrounding villas of Tuscany, which became an inspiration for this recording. I wanted to pay a special tribute to the great Luciano Pavarotti, who touched so many lives with his gifted voice, by including some of the traditional Italian melodies he frequently included in his concerts. I had the privilege of enjoying his last farewell performance in the United States. Included in this recording as well, are other unforgettable Italian melodies made famous around the world. I hope they bring you back wonderful memories. Buon divertimento! Enrique Chia