Music from Giacomo Pucci and Frank Sinatra filled the Fine Arts Pavilion at Robert Treat Academy as the North Ward Center celebrated the “Concert that Never Was” on Sept. 21.
The concert served up a variety of music from Puccini’s famous operas, including Gianni Schicci, Tosca, La bohème, Turnadot as well as the pop tunes that Sinatra made famous, including “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “It was a Very Good Year,” and “All the Way.”
The 3 Po' Tenors performing at The North Ward Center's "Concert that Never Was."
At first blush, the gifted Puccini and the iconic Sinatra might seem like an odd pairing for an evening concert, coming from such different periods and musical genres.
But Fran Adubato, who organized the concert, said what few people realize about Sinatra is how much he was influenced by Puccini and other classic composers, including another operatic giant, Giuseppe Verdi.
“It was a perfect pairing,” Adubato said after the concert. “Nancy Sinatra said her father listened to Tosca, La bohème, Madama Butterfly and Turnandot to unwind. It’s clear Puccini’s compositions greatly influenced Sinatra’s ‘belcanto’ style of singing.”
Sinatra paid homage to Puccini, Verdi and other musical geniuses in “Before the Music Ends,” released in 1980 as part of his Trilogy album. In the song, Sinatra sings, “Thank Mrs. Verdi, for Joe. And a special thanks to Giacomo.”
Vince Torrell, who started his vocal career at 17 singing in The Gregory Club in Garfield, performed in the style and vocal mannerisms of Sinatra.
The 3 Po’ Tenors, consisting of Julian Hernandez, Anthony Tabish and Ted Thomas, performed the operatic numbers. Dominique Carmen joined Hernandez “The Prayer” while Angela Intili, an accomplished opera singer, performed “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Gianni Schicci and “Mi Chiamano Mimi” from La bohème. Thomas and Intili also performed “O Soave Fanciulla” from La bohème.
A concert featuring the music of Puccini has become a tradition at The North Ward Center. This year’s event attracted more than 150 people.
Adrianne Davis, the executive director of The North Ward Center and the vice president of The Robert Treat Academy trustees, said the event is just one of many held by the Center to bring the community together.
“This is a great way to share culture with the community,” Davis said.
Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center, said in addition to providing high quality educational and recreational opportunities, it’s also important to bring arts and culture to the community.
“This music elevates the soul and makes life worth living,” Adubato said.
