One of Australia's brightest and up-coming musical starts, Michael Vaiasinni, is returning to Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight as an official ambassador. At just 23 years-old his list of musical achievements is already beyond anything most people could ever dream of, having performed in Italy for the Pavarotti family as well as the Pope.At six years old Michael was diagnosed with the degenerative eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa leaving him legally blind. It was this diagnosis that lead to his love for music, when Michael turned to hobbies that involved listening.
This year will be Michael's second Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight and he will be flying in from Italy, where he is currently based, especially for the occasion. Leading a life with little sight has made Michael incredibly passionate about being involved with Vision Australia.
"Learning to navigate through life with limited vision is challenging, but having people like Vision Australia assist the children and the families makes such a huge difference in their confidence and leading to a full life," he says.
"It is a great honour to help and inspire others who are living a similar situation that I have been through. My hope is to share my story to inspire others through my music and my achievements to show them that anything is possible!"
Michael's biggest supporters have always been his family, who are all music lovers as well.
For Michael, Christmas is a time for appreciation and a little time out from everyday stresses, as well as food of course!