Graziella Hunsel Rivero

Graziella Hunsel Rivero, also known as “The First Lady of Jazz from Amsterdam Southeast,” discovered her love for jazz in 2011 when she heard Sarah Vaughan’s song “Broken Hearted Melody.” This marked the beginning of her musical journey into the world of jazz—a path she has followed with passion and success ever since.

Theatre and Musical Theatre

Graziella has also brought her artistic talents to the stage. With her own theatre production, “The Grand Ladies of Jazz,” she toured across the Netherlands for two seasons. In addition, she starred in her one-woman show “The Jazz in Me” and played the leading role in the musical theatre production “Swingin’ Harlem.” Graziella has also performed regularly as a guest artist with the Konrad Koselleck Big Band and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of Michael Gieler, further highlighting her status as a versatile jazz artist.

ZOJazz Lounge and ZOGrace Records

In 2015, Graziella launched the ZOJazz Lounge in the Bijlmermeer—the only live jazz event in the area featuring dinner and drinks—bringing jazz back to her own neighborhood. That same year, she founded her own production company, ZOGrace Records!, and released her self-produced EP “Minute Made Woman.” She also created her own radio show, “ZOJazz Lounge Radio,” on Radio RaZO in Amsterdam Southeast, further making jazz more accessible to her community.

Jazz in the Bijlmer and The Passion

In 2018, Graziella played a special role in the performance of “The Passion” in the Bijlmer—a place she considers her own part of Amsterdam. The theme of that edition was “I See You,” and Graziella brought it to life through her powerful and expressive vocals.

Sarah Vaughan Tribute Show

Graziella’s latest venture in the world of jazz is her show “Graziëlla Hunsel Sings Sarah Vaughan,” in which she performs her favorite songs by the legendary Sarah Vaughan. Through this tribute, she expresses her deep admiration for the iconic jazz vocalist.