Cristina Fontanelli is an American actress and opera singer who has performed in Tokyo, Paris, Milan, Cairo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul and Uganda.
Early life
The Italian-American Fontanelli was born in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from The
American Academy of Dramatic ArtsThe American Academy of Dramatic Arts is a fully accredited two-year conservatory with facilities located in Manhattan, New York City – at 120 Madison Avenue, in a landmark building designed by noted architect Stanford White as the original Colony Club – and in Hollywood, California...
, and also attended The Juilliard School.
Career
Fontanelli has appeared on stage with
Joan RiversJoan Rivers is an American comedian, television personality and actress. She is known for her brash manner; her loud, raspy voice with a heavy New York accent; and her numerous cosmetic surgeries...
,
Joe PiscopoJoseph Charles John "Joe" Piscopo is an American comedian and actor best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.-Early life:...
,
Pat CooperPat Cooper is an American actor and comedian. Cooper is primarily known for his stand-up routines, where he often makes reference to his Italian heritage from Mola di Bari, Italy...
, and her friend the television host,
Joe FranklinJoe Franklin is an American radio and television personality. From New York City, Franklin is sometimes credited with hosting the first television talk show...
. She has sung with
Boston Pops OrchestraThe Boston Pops Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in playing light classical and popular music....
with Richard Hayman conducting,
Saint Louis Symphony OrchestraThe Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1880 by Joseph Otten as the St. Louis Choral Society, the SLSO is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States as it is preceded by the New York Philharmonic.-History:The St...
and performed in the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Ball.
She has been called a "vocal genius" by
The New York Sun, was awarded the OSIA Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts (whose previous recipients include
Luciano Pavarottiright|thumb|Luciano Pavarotti performing at the opening of the Constantine Palace in [[Strelna]], 31 May 2003. The concert was part of the celebrations for the 300th anniversary of [[St...
), and has been named "Woman of the Year" by many Italian organizations throughout the United States.
External links