NEW YORK—This annual presentation, now in its 13th year, is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Cristina Fontanelli brings her glorious soprano voice to the service of Italy’s best-loved songs, operatic arias, Neapolitan songs, as well as favorite Christmas carols.
It is a plus that Ms. Fontanelli presents a gorgeous and glamorous figure, wearing richly embellished but tasteful gowns—a different choice for each of the program’s two acts.
But beyond being just a singer, Ms. Fontanelli is a showman (or woman). She is immensely theatrical and exhibits a strong stage presence. Yet she is also down-to-earth, and holds the audience in the palm of her hand with her genuine warmth and vivacity. At times during the performance, she even made verbal contact with friends or colleagues in the audience that afternoon.
