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This is the Italian American Podcast, and in this episode, we talk to PBS-TV Star and Tenor Christopher Macchio about using your talent to serve your community. This is a fun-filled episode with a lot of stories, laughs and humor that might just make you reconsider your mission in life.

Tweetables

• “Like a lot of families, we never really lost complete touch with our Italian roots and the spirit that exists between family members. The spirit of family and closeness is probably the most important element of all.” – Christopher Macchio
• “I really didn’t want to become a singer at all and kept my voice a secret to my family to avoid being obliged to sing at family parties and holidays.” – Christopher Macchio
• “I realized that my singing was not just something nice, it’s something real that needs to be nurtured and shared with the world.” – Christopher Macchio
• “If I have fun on stage, my audience will have fun in their seats and it’s so great being able to facilitate that energy.” – Christopher Macchio
• “My mission, not just as an artist, but as a man, as an Italian American and as a human being is to lift our culture to a more sophisticated, more elevated sensibility that is relevant and substantive and represent real beauty to the world.” – Christopher Macchio
• “Opera and classical music are a tool that articulate and reinforce the essential nature of the human condition.” – Christopher Macchio
• “My mission is not to just find huge success for myself and sell out Las Vegas arenas, but to do something much bigger and broader that has an effect on the entire culture.” – Christopher Macchio
• “All of our missions in life, need to be much bigger than ourselves so that we can leave the biggest legacy behind on earth during this short time we spend on it. It has to be about everybody else, not just about you.” – Christopher Macchio

About Christopher Macchio

Christopher Macchio is a PBS-TV Star & well-known Tenor. His performances range from full operatic arias, to stirring songs from the repertoire of Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti and Mario Lanza, to timeless classics in the styles of Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. His presentation consists of the display of a highly trained voice of beautiful tone and quality, delivered with a charisma and sincerity that never fails to produce a standing ovation! Mr. Macchio has performed in a variety of languages and cultural settings for sacred ceremonies, lively receptions, private and public events, and for numerous charities.

Episode Sponsors

Law Office of Michael A. DeSapio

Have you dreamed of reconnecting with your ancestral homeland by becoming an Italian citizen? Since a change in Italian law has allowed dual citizenship between Italy and the United States, thousands of Italian Americans have done just that. Italian citizenship by descent is granted to those individuals who can prove Italian ancestry (even if through several generations).   If you or a family member is interested in pursuing their Italian citizenship, contact the law office of Michael De Sapio for a free consultation to see if you qualify. They are a full-service law firm based in New Jersey that has served clients throughout the United States in assisting with dual citizenship applications. Mike will work with you, and his experienced network of researchers, genealogists and translators both in Italy and the US to guide you through the process. Don’t miss the opportunity to reclaim your right to be an Italian citizen. Contact them at 908-996-6766 or www.desapioesq.com for more information.

Dogman

Cinema Made In Italy and Magnolia Pictures present DOGMAN, the new film from Matteo Garrone, the award winning director of GOMORRAH.  Winner of the Best Actor award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and the European Film Awards, DOGMAN tells a story of vengeance where only the strong will survive.  Marcello is a slight, mild-mannered man who divides his days between working at his modest dog grooming salon, and being coerced into the petty criminal schemes of the local bully Simoncino, an ex-boxer who terrorizes the neighborhood. When Simoncino’s abuse finally brings Marcello to a breaking point, he decides to stand up for his own dignity through an act of vengeance, with unintended consequences. An Official selection of the Cannes, Telluride & Toronto Film Festivals and the winner of 9 David di Donatello Awards, the Italian Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay and Actor. The Guardian calls “Dogman,” “a movie with an incomparable bite and strength.” Now playing in select cities. Visit dogmanthemovie.com to watch the trailer and order tickets.

Resources Mentioned

The New Neighborhood
The Italian American Podcast Itunes
IAP 45: The hidden history of Southern Italy’s glory – Part One
IAP 46: The hidden history of Southern Italy’s glory – Part Two
IAP 48: The hidden history of Southern Italy’s glory – Part Three
Christopher Macchio Instagram
Christopher Macchio Facebook
Christopher Macchio Twitter
IAP 44: Italian folk magic, ancestors, and you: Mallorie Vaudoise on cultivating a spiritual connection to your heritage

Grazie Mille,

Anthony Fasano and Dolores Alfieri Taranto
Co-Hosts, The Italian American Podcast