Toppano, Enso (accordionist, composer)

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Enso Toppano was born on February 14, 1928, in Broken Hill, the youngest of six children of Italian farmers Leonardo Toppano and his wife, Katerina (D'Appolonia). Enso very quickly became a performer and left school at 16. He went to London in 1949, where he was many times voted the best instrumental performer on the London Palladium circuit. In London he met another Australian performer, Peggy Mortimer, and they were married in 1950. When they returned to Australia they were among the first entertainers to appear on television, with their own segment on Sydney's first television breakfast show. Enzo worked as musical director, accompanist for other acts, wrote music for pantomimes, conducted music and made guest appearances on television and stage. He starred in Harry Wren's travelling show Celebrity Circus, and composed music for the ABC television show Cafe Continental. He and Peggy also taught at their talent school in Crows Nest. He was the father of Peta Toppano, the English-born Australian actress, singer and dancer. Link to catalogue record.

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