Philip Alongi to Perform in Verismo Opera's 'Turandot'

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera announces tenor Philip Alongi of Westfield, New Jersey performs Prince Calaf in the company's debut of Giacomo Puccini's last grand opera, Turandot. The opera will be performed on April 22, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

"It is always special to perform in my home state and to have my family and friends here to cheer me on. What a privilege to sing this masterwork of Puccini with a company like the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera that always makes it their mission to perform the art form at the highest level and is always true to the composer's intentions," said Philip Alongi.

Sleepless Nights With Twins

This production has extra challenges for Alongi, who is getting used to going without sleep these days with the recent arrival of twins. "As I prepare my debut as Calaf, I am learning and rehearsing the role with newborn twins -- Joni Rose and James Lucca -- just born on March 9 at home. The name Lucca was chosen for being the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini. Both mom and dad are classically trained singers. Perhaps the most famous aria in the dramatic tenor's repertoire is Calaf's signature aria 'Nessun Dorma', which means 'no sleep' in Italian. That seems wildly appropriate for me these days!" explained Alongi.

Alongi received praise from the Miami Herald for his “clarion top notes and striking physicality.” He has performed leading roles throughout the United States, including Cavalleria Rusticana’s Turiddu, Carmen’s Don Jose, Tosca’s Cavaradossi, and more. His voice has also been heard on the stage at the New York Grand Opera, Miami Lyric Opera, and many others, and he given concerts at New Jersey State Opera, Bronx Opera, and others. Alongi also sang the funeral mass of Tim Russert, as well as the televised memorial service at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC in 2008.

His distinguished performing portfolio includes six live televised performances to his credit, including two on the TODAY show. He has released two full-length solo albums: 'Heritage,' a collection of Italian operatic arias and Neapolitan songs and 'New Life: Songs of Faith,' a collection of sacred works, featuring compositions spanning from the 17th century to contemporary pieces. When he is not performing, Alongi is a television news producer with 18 Emmy award nominations.

Dramatic Fairy Tale

Verismo Opera presents the 18th century dramatic fairy tale by Venetian playwright Carlo Gozzi in three acts, with the libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni. In Puccini's extravagant portrayal of both ancient China and the opera's namesake Princess, Turandot, the musical genius masterly shows how true love can conquer sacrifice, hate, and vengeance and ultimately, melt an ice cold heart.

Under Principal Conductor/Music Director Lucy Arner, a live orchestra accompanies the performance, with Chorus Director/Associate Conductor Michael Wittenburg leading the Verismo Opera Chorus. Emily Spaeth joins the company in this production and directs the Verismo Opera Children's Chorus. General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif directs the fully staged opera. The cast appears in period costumes and performs in Italian. English supertitles are projected on a screen for the audience to follow.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale to see Turandot at bergenPAC’s box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, or call (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. They may also be purchased online.

Coming Up

The company presents Vincenzo Bellini's opera Norma on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the bergenPAC. Tickets will be on sale at the box office on April 22, 2018.

"Norma is a masterpiece filled with verismo styled passion, both in lyric and music. Masterfully telling the story of a Druid Priestess, who has not only broken her virginal vows but is secreting two children fathered the Roman soldier Pullione, Norma is riddled with love, intrigue, jealousy, and death on a heroic level. This opera will put a chill up your back," said General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif.

For more information about the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, visit the nonprofit opera company's web site or contact info@verismopera.org.