Hamden Arts Commission Presents 'Robert Iarussi: A Musical Celebration of Love and Hope'

From the Hamden Arts Commission:

The Hamden Arts Commission is honored to present renowned operatic tenor Roberto Iarussi in a concert entitled “Roberto Iarussi: A Musical Celebration of Love and Hope”on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 pm. 

Iarussi, who recently recorded a cd with The London Symphony Orchestra, will debut selections from the soon-to-be-released disc entitled “I Believe”.

Iarussi, a star in the opera world, has been recognized by opera aficionados for possessing a voice of outstanding beauty and extraordinary range and power. The tall, handsome American-born singer of Italian descent has won numerous prestigious honors and awards, including the first Andrea Bocelli Fellowship, personally awarded by Mr Bocelli in 2005.

At a gala birthday celebration for Luciano Pavarotti in 2004, Iarussi’s voice brought Pavarotti to tears and an audience of 3,500 to their feet with his stirring rendition of “Nessun Dorma”.

Iarussi is also one of those rare “crossover” artists whose appeal is generating equal excitement among opera fans and the general public. “I Believe” marks his first formal musical commitment to the crossover genre. It features beautiful, fresh treatments of classic songs and romantic ballads. Recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, the cd was produced and arranged by multi-Grammy Award winner composer/arranger/producer, Jorge Calandrelli, and features performances by celebrated guitarist Ramon Stagnaro, and legendary trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Iarussi will be joined on stage by special guest artists, including singers Maddalena Ferrante, Dana Fripp, and Marlene Villafañe, and musicians James Teti, Matt Ostreicher, Al Delucia and Michael Savino.

Iarussi performed in Hamden once before, prior to his 2006 Lincoln Center debut. The SRO audience members still describe the experience as unforgettable. The Hamden Arts Commission is deeply honored to host Roberto Iarussi again.

The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Ann DeMatteo, the former New Haven Register reporter who was one of Iarussi's dearest friends and most ardent supporters.

“Roberto Iarussi: A Musical Celebration of Love and Hope” will be held in the state-of-the art, handicapped-accessible Hamden High School Auditorium, 2040 Dixwell Avenue. Tickets are $35 general admission; $25 for senior citizens and students. For tickets, please call the Hamden Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546 or email: mcoleman@hamden.com.