Tales of Christmas by Mario Frangoulis
- Written by C.Athanasatos
Named "Best Male Classical Crossover Artist" to kick off the decade, globally acclaimed classical vocalist Mario Frangoulis has responded to his fans' annual plea for a holiday album with the release of a captivating holiday collection of songs, Tales Of Christmas. The 12 track album, available beginning October 30th, weaves together stirring classics and unique contemporary interpretations, lush orchestral pieces and thoughtful piano-voice ballads, all backed by an international ensemble enhancing Mario's spirited vocal presence and astonishing range.
Working in collaboration with 6-time Grammy winning maestro Jorge Calandrell (Placido Domingo, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga), Tales of Christmas arrives as an inspiring collection of songs that tell a true tale of what the holiday season is all about: compassion, family, courage, joy, and the power of love. Other partners on the project include the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, acknowledged as the UK's foremost musical pioneer, and the iconic Abbey Road Studios where the album was recorded. Tales Of Christmas also delivers three incredible duets that complement the full range of Mario's vocal capabilities: All Creatures of Our God and King featuring international artists George Perris, Julie Zorrilla and The Little Musicians Choir; world-famous soprano Sarah Brightman (the original Christine in Phantom of the Opera) on Carpe Diem, and legendary 4-time Grammy winning mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Known the world-over for his refined vocal interpretations and instinctive ability to fuse the classical and contemporary, Mario introduces flawless vocal renditions of songs that range from classics such as the above-mentioned "Jingle Bells" and "I'll Be
Home for Christmas" to "Ave Maria" and "Panis Angelicus" to Richard Marx's "Christmas Mornings" and Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece, "Smile" – all representing Mario's favorite Tales of Christmas to share with his listening audiences all over the world.
A true labor of love that showcases the distinctive talents of all involved, Tales of Christmas' creative journey began more than two years ago, with fans propelling Mario towards the idea of making a spiritual Christmas album for some time. After releasing more than 15 personal albums with millions of sales worldwide, (and topping the Classical Crossover charts with Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban), Frangoulis teamed up with maestro and producer Jorge Calandrelli to embark on the artistic design of the album and create a lasting, holiday-themed album destined to cap every perennial collection.
The result of this thoughtful collaboration is a true "holiday feast" for the heart and ears, elegantly in sync with Mario's multitude of artistic accomplishments throughout his incredible career. Frangoulis' fans have long been aware of his diverse and far-reaching talent – from playing Marius in (cast by Sir Cameron Mackintosh) and Raoul in Phantom of the Opera (cast by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber) to the role of Tony in West Side Story at Milan's Teatro a la Scala. From winning the Maria Callas and Pavarotti competitions to performing with world-renowned orchestras including the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Novaya Opera of Moscow, and the Philharmonia Orchestra of London; and from airing 3 public television specials: Sometimes I Dream (2003), Music of the Night (2009), and Mario Frangoulis Live With The Boston Pops (2013) to playing the role of Alfred Drake in the film DeLovely alongside Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd.
Mario's accomplishments however, go way beyond acting and singing. He is known the world over for his humanitarian work and commitment to children; and in his role as Global Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans (www.horatioalger.org) a key sponsor of the project, Mario is donating a portion of his artist's proceeds from Tales of Christmas to the Association's scholarship fund for high- risk, high-potential children in the USA and Canada.
Tales of Christmas will enthrall listeners. With maestro Calandrelli's masterful arrangements and Mario's magnificent voice, Tales of Christmas will be a welcome, surprising, and timeless addition to everyone's holiday music canon!
Tales of Christmas released globally on October 30, 2015 is available in outlets throughout the US and Canada on BeautifulThings Productions LTD, distributed by BDG/RED Distribution, LLC (a division of SONY Music Entertainment).
More information visit www.mariofrangoulis.com
Media contact: Tracey Miller, Tracey Miller & Associates, Inc. 609-383-2323/
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