Famed opera singer coming to Unionville for holiday concert

By Fran Maye
fmaye@journalregister.com

March Panuccio, a world-acclaimed Italian-American lyric tenor, will be coming to Unionville High School for a holiday concert as part of his December tour.

Panuccio will share the stage with about 50 Unionville High School students for “O Holy Night – An Evening of Holiday Song” on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Panuccio, who in 2008 made his lyric opera of Chicago debut as Des Grieux in Massernet’s Manon and covered Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. “This concert encompasses everything, not just Christmas music. There is no opera style in this at all. But I’ll be singing like an opera singer.”

Panuccio said coming to Unionville is his way of giving back to the community because the proceeds of the concert go to the Unionville Music Department.

“This benefits the kids,” he said. “it’s always nice to be able to give back to the community.”

The program will include a range of repertoire including Schubert’s Ave Maria, David Foster’s Thankful, and Adam’s O Holy Night. He will be accompanied by Linda Lorgus and the Unionville High School Chorale, under the direction of Jason Throne.

Pauccio said it was Throne who helped to bring him to Unionville.

Panuccio said that by request, there will be some sing-alongs at the concert.

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently wrote of Panuccio: “He possesses a voice that electrifies the audience.”

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for students. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased by calling 610-347-1600 ex. 3111 or at www.uhs.ucfd.org.