Get ready to warm your hearts and break free of the winter chills. Buffalo-Rzeszow Sister Cities, Inc. in colaboration with Buffalo-Torremaggiore Sister Cities Association, is sponsoring a UNITED IN MUSIC concert featuring an international star from Bydgoszcz, Poland, Karina Kalczynska, as well as local Polish and Italian American talent , Emily Tworek-Helenbrook, Jena Abati and Bella Buscarino with a special appearance of Kristen Nixon and Paschal Frisina III.

 

This concert will include Karina Kalczynska, a contemporary singer. Kalczynska is making her fourth appearance in the Buffalo area as well as over 40 other concerts in the United States. She has also performed in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Latvia, and Italy. Karina has recorded a special CD for Pope John Paul II and personally presented it to His Holiness on the occasion of his 50th anniversary. She will bring a smooth and contemporary style of Polish and English songs to our stage.

 

Jena Abati is a 13 year old, operatic coloratura, currently a vocal student  at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and has performed extensively throughout the area and at the Italian Festival.

 

Emily Tworek-Helenbrook is an 11 year soprano who has studied voice for the past three years with Adrienne Tworek-Gryta and is currently enrolled and the youngest student at the Eastman School of Music working with the Mother of renowned opera star Renee Fleming and is a four year member of the Amherst Bel Canto Choir with Sue Fay Allen.

 

Bella Buscarino is an 11 year old jazz style performer who has performed locally with various jazz ensembles and at the Italian Festival. She is also a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Choir. She currently a student at St. Andrew School.

 

Kristen Nixon was born and raised in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara University in 2002. She comes from a multi-cultural background including Polish, Italian and English heritage. Kristen currently is the Cantor at St. John de LaSalle R.C. Church in Niagara Falls.

 

Paschal Frisina III is originally from Buffalo, New York and recently moved back home from New York City where he lived for six years performing in numerous theater productions. Paschal comes from a 100% Italian heritage and is proud to represent his culture through his singing. Paschal Frisina will join with Kristen Nixon in a duet piece during the “United in Music” concert.

 

Proceeds from the event will benefit Buffalo-Rzeszow Sister Cities, Inc. cultural and charitable activities which includes an orphanage in Rzeszow, Poland and Buffalo-Torremaggiore Sister Cities Association cultural projects.

 

Be enchanted with Polish and Italian classics with an all star cast in “United in Music” Concert, April 23, 2006, 3:00 p.m. at Villa Maria College Auditorium, 240 Pine Ridge Heritage Road, Cheektowaga, New York.