FAIRFIELD, N.J., Nov. 29, 2010 — At a recent UNICO National regional meeting, young Italian American tenor Christopher Macchio, a rising star in the entertainment world, gave a special, surprise guest performance of his vocal talent to UNICO National delegates and guests from across the Eastern Region. Macchio sang some classic Italian songs and ended with the very beautiful aria from Puccini's Turandot – "Nessun Dorma." He received multiple standing ovations from the standing-room-only crowd of UNICANs. All were enthralled by his powerful voice, which is described as a cross between Andrea Bocelli and Mario Lanza.
The surprise performance was arranged between UNICO Past National President and Chief Media Executive Andre' DiMino and Macchio's manager Vincenzo D'Angelo, who met recently while both were working on a campaign against Italian American stereotyping in the media.
Plans were made to have Macchio appear at the UNICO National meeting in Scranton, PA in early November. UNICO National President Chris DiMattio of Scranton was enthusiastic to have Macchio perform: "What a great musical treat for our membership and what a terrific way to support a talented, young Italian American." At the conclusion of Macchio's performance, DiMattio presented Macchio with a new membership pin, naming him an honorary member. Macchio stated, "I am speechless and so pleased to be part of the UNICO family."
"This is the type of young Italian American that the world should be celebrating, not the disgraceful stereotypes portrayed on so-called 'reality shows' throughout the media," DiMino said. "Through our accepting Christopher into our UNICO family, we are again leading the way in supporting those who honor our heritage. We are so pleased to declare that Christopher Macchio is UNICO National's Tenor."
Macchio, a native of Long Island, is fluent in Italian, proud of his heritage and is a great representative of an accomplished, talented young Italian American with a tremendous vocal instrument performing the great music of Italian heritage. Macchio is also the founding member of Bell' Aria, a five-person young vocal ensemble that is reviving beautiful Italian songs in their musical special which debuted on PBS November 27. For information on Macchio, please feel free to visit his website at http://www.christophermacchio.com
UNICO National, founded in 1922, is America's largest Italian American service organization. Its volunteer members support charitable, educational, and community service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping.
Photos:
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/Macchio.jpg
Christopher Macchio singing at UNICO National's Eastern Regional meeting in Scranton, PA.
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/UNICO-Macchio.jpg
(L to R) UNICO Past National President Andre' DiMino, Tenor Christopher Macchio, UNICO National President Chris DiMattio, and Vincenzo M. D'Angelo, Macchio's manager.
Contact:
Sebastian D'Elia
UNICO National Communications Director
908-770-3662
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