by Debbie Tuma
International Opera and Broadway singer Cristina Fontanelli and her “Fabulous Friends” performed at Duck Walk Vineyard in Southold on July 19. She was joined by Tenor Victor Starsky of Richmond Hill, NY, who has performed opera and musical theater at numerous venues across the country with his amazing voice, and also by Pop Tenor Stefanos Andreotti of Riverhead, who has performed with his great voice throughout the U.S, Italy and Denmark.
Her Russian pianist, Alexander Chaplinskiy, has won numerous awards from several international pianist competitions. As always, Cristina Fontanelli was accompanied by some young performers– two terrific young singers including Emma Cervone and Winn Ryan.
Fontanelli’s program was in two parts—the first half was chestnuts of the operas, like Madame Butterfly and Carmen, and the second was some of the best Broadway show songs, from West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, and others.
Duck Walk Vineyard North offered a selection of their delicious wines at intermission. They are also located in the town of Southampton.
Cristina Fontanelli, of NYC, has been a PBS Host for Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, and other specials, she has sung with Tony Bennett, she’s appeared at Carnegie Hall, Feinstein’s, the Cutting Room, and at stages around the world. Each year she does a special family show called “Christmas In Italy” at the holidays, at different venues in Manhattan. She gives many opportunities to young children to be part of these festivities, and her non-profit Cristina Fontanelli Foundation also donates tickets to Veterans and the underprivileged.
For those who missed this fabulous North Fork concert, Cristina Fontanelli and her Fabulous Friends will perform a similar event with Opera and Broadway songs once again on August 16, at 7:30 pm, at the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, in Southampton Village. She will be joined by Victor Starsky, Stefanos Andreotti, Alexander Chaplinskiy, Faith Mullaley, (a student at Montauk Public School,) and the Joy Dance Academy. It will be an exciting evening at this huge church, with great acoustics! For tickets call 1-800-316-8559 or go to www.eventbrite.com
As a 501c3 production through the Cristina Fontanelli Foundation, your ticket helps support the Basilica and musical programs.