- NEW YORK (May 5, 2008) --
The Mario Lanza Society of New York has scheduled its annual dinner in
tribute to the late tenor for June 21, 2008 at 1 P.M. at Patsy's Restaurant
(236 West 56th Street). Among the special invited guests saluting Lanza's
career are soprano Elaine Malbin, mezzo soprano Raffaella Lo Castro, and
tenor Giuseppe Taormina. The musical program will feature live performances
by Ms. Lo Castro and Mr. Taormina and archival recordings from the careers
of Ms. Malbin and Mr. Lanza.
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- Soprano Elaine Malbin celebrated for her beautiful and
powerful lyric soprano has performed in opera, operetta, and concert around
the world and was also on Broadway in several noted shows. She was a featured
artist on TV and radio including many appearances on the "NBC Opera
Theatre" and the "Ed Sullivan," "Jack Paar," and
"Voice of Firestone" shows. Ms. Malbin was also a recording artist
with RCA Victor and sang duets with Mario Lanza on his second album. She
regularly judges vocal competitions and will be the Mistress of Ceremonies
for this year's Mario Lanza Ball on November 2, 2008 in Philadelphia.
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- Mezzo-soprano, Raffaella Lo Castro, moved to the United
States from South Africa to pursue her music career abroad. Her father,
a violinist at La Scala, Milan, for many years, instilled a passion for
music and encouraged a thriving artistic environment from which Raffaella
discovered her love for singing. Raffaella has delighted audiences
in Asia, South Africa, and the United States with her beautiful renditions
of music from opera to Broadway. This will mark her fourth appearance with
The Mario Lanza Society of New York where she has been very well received.
For more information on Raffaella, please visit her web site at www.raffaellalc.com.
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- Originally from Sicily, Tenor Giuseppe Taormina has performed
all over the world and received many honors including being made the first
ever Cavaliere di Collana in the United States. He has appeared several
times for the Mario Lanza Society of New York and regularly sings at Italian
American events and benefits. He possesses the kind of tenor voice that
brings people cheering to their feet. His charming personality and beautiful
voice make for an unbeatable combination. For a list of Giuseppe's upcoming
performance please go to www.giuseppetaormina.com.
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- Since its inception, The Mario Lanza Society of New York,
with a mission of promoting and preserving Lanza's memory, has grown to
over 180 members worldwide. The Society publishes a very well received
16-page newsletter, The Legacy of Mario Lanza, which contains articles
about the late tenor's career, his recordings, and event information. Honorary
members include Lanza co-stars Kathryn Grayson, Elaine Malbin, and Licia
Albanese as well his son Damon who promotes his father through his newsletter
Lanza Legend and on his web site of the same name. Membership in the society
is $25 annually in the U.S. and $30 for outside the country. Members receive
a subscription to four issues of The Legacy of Mario Lanza and discounted
admission to all club events.
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- The June 21st luncheon will feature a three-course menu
with a cash bar. Admission is $60 for club members and $70 for nonmembers.
Seating is limited. For information and reservations contact Bill Ronayne,
President of the Mario Lanza Society of New York at (718) 338-8662 or via
e-mail at wjronayne@optonline.net.
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