Photograph of camp band/orchestra - solo in inglese

Double row of 15 internees located within a building; most are seated on a low wooden stage with a theatrical backdrop. All seem to be wearing the camp uniform, a dark jean trouser with red stripe on both legs. All but one also seem to be wearing dark denim shirts which may be part of the camp uniform (unclear if red circle is on the back). Men (except one) are also wearing a white tie. Individual at far left is wearing a white dress shirt. All but individual at lower far right are holding instruments: violins or mandolins; trumpets; french horn; trombone; clarinet; flute; drums; piano; cello; and double bass.

Photograph is undated; it could have been taken from 1940-1943. As a result, the location of the picture cannot be determined. Although there is no identification card used, the formal setting and formal pose suggests it was an authorized picture, likely taken by a government official. Further the back of the image seems to be stamped "11". This image is clearly taken at the same time as DICEA2011.0001.0009.

Several of the Italian Canadian internees were skilled musicians. At camp, they formed a band which entertained others by performing recitals. We also know that lyrics were composed by a few of the internees which specifically spoke about or referenced the internment experience. Instruments were provided by family members and by charitable organizations. Possibily Internment Operations also secured instruments for internees.

This photograph belongs to a collection preserved by Italian Canadian internee Osvaldo Giacomelli. Previous to his death, he had spoken on the record about his internment to journalists and academics. Some suggestion has been made that Giacomelli was a fascist supporter and Mussolini-adherent. He was one of the longest-serving of the Italian Canadian internees, released on May 29, 1945. Giacomelli himself felt that he was wrongfully interned, and sued the Government of Canada in 2005. When Giacomelli died in March of 2006, his case was still unresolved.