The 2nd Annual Christmas Benefit Concert for supporting various faith based and cultural organizations in Staten Island on November 30 will feature award-winning
Italian tenor Micheal Castaldo. Castaldo will sing classic Italian carols from his best-selling album, "Extravergine: Christmas in the Mediterranean," accompanied by the Richmond County Orchestra Strings.

The 2pm concert will be held at Notre Dame Academy, 78-134 Howard Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301. Doors open at 1:30pm and there is secure parking on-site. A VIP
Reception with light refreshments will follow the concert at Casa Belvedere directly across the street. Tickets are available for $25 (general seating) and $75 (VIP seating/postconcert reception) through Brown Paper Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/884432 or by calling 24/7 at 800-838-3006.

"This concert will capture your heart and imagination with the spirit of the holidays and the old world charm of a traditional Italian Christmas," said Gina Biancardi, founder of Casa Belvedere, who is supporting the concert with a VIP reception after the concert, which has preserved old world traditions for years of families who have celebrated there since the Italian cultural foundation was founded in 2009. "Even those who don't speak Italian will be moved by the setting, the songs, and by Micheal's powerful and melodic voice."

The "Extravergine CD" offers sacred, liturgical carols sung in Italian or Latin. Seasonal favorites include "Oh Santa Notte" (Oh Holy Night), "E Nato Il Bambino Gesu" (What Child Is This?), "Batte Nel Cuore, Suona Natale" (Little Drummer Boy), "Gioia Nel Mondo" (Joy To The World), "Puoi Sentire Quel' Che Sent Io?" (Do You Hear What I Hear?), and "Astro Del Ciel" (Silent Night). Castaldo himself also translated the well-known Polish carol, "Jezus Malusuenki" now entitled, "Piccolo Jesu." Completing the perfect package, Castaldo will sing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," "Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle," "Va Pensiero," and "Adeste Fideles."

The following organizations are partnering with Micheal Castaldo to help promote the Italian culture and heritage at this Italian Christmas concert: Investors Bank and Brown Paper Tickets.

Ticketing Partners: Casa Belvedere, Coccia Foundation, UNICO, Sempre Avanti, St. Brigids Italian Club, St. Rocco's, St. Peters, Italian American Museum, Italian Board of Guardians, Italian American Labor Council, OSIA NJ, The Gables Historic Inn and Restaurant, St. John's University, Coqui Designs, WHY, and Woodpecker Press.

Over the past ten years Michéal Castaldo has entertained more than 500,000 people across the USA, Canada, and Europe with creative and rousing renditions of classic Italian songs.

Castaldoʼs performances are enchanting, heartfelt, and authentic. He treats the audience to stories in between songs that share moments from his Italian upbringing, tidbits about his musical journey, and insight that went into his song choices. In 2013, Michéal's 1st annual Italian Christmas concert helped raise $3100 for St. Lucy's Church in Newark, NJ. For more info, visit: www.michealcastaldo.com

Refreshments during Intermission will be generously donated by The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere of Staten Island, NY. For more information, go to
www.michealCASTALDO.com or contact Majestic Castle Music at 877-642-7271 or [email protected]