Candela Collection

Like many other musicians from Basilicata, Vincenzo Candela travelled the world in search of work as a seasonal musician. His skills as a tailor and commercial photographer ensured that he was in constant employment. In 1920, Vincenzo arrived in Australia with son Angelo and second wife Emmanuela Nigro.

The Candela collection spans nearly a century, beginning with Vincenzo's work as a seasonal musician in Europe and the Americas in the 1890s. Vincenzo was one of an influential group of migrant tailors who popularised Italian fashions in Australia between the wars. Vincenzo's son, musician and conductor Angelo, performed on stage and radio from the 1930s and toured with the Australian Army Entertainment Unit during World War II.

Included in the collection are: business and personal correspondence; documents; photographs; diaries; Italian newspapers and magazines; sheet music and music programs; postcards and business cards; and military memorabilia.

Access by appointment. 

Search the Italian Historical Society catalogue for the Candela sheet music collection here.

Music sheets owned by Angelo Candela are in the Monash University Rare Books Collection