For Release
Contact:
Wish Group
416-720-0563
tonia@wishopera.ca
www.wishgroup.ca
One Night Only, Canadian Soprano Resurrects the Ghost of Georgina Stirling, Newfoundland’s first Opera Singer, the “Nightingale of the North”.
Wish Group, a collection of Toronto based companies providing diversified services to Canadian clients, is proud to present Canadian Soprano, Tonia Evans Cianciulli. As part of Wish Group’s dedication to Canadian arts, they will be hosting an encore concert of this world renowned Soprano in Twillingate, Newfoundland on Friday August, 25TH, 7:00PM at St. Peter’s Anglican Church.
The concept for this performance grew from the legend of the late Georgina Stirling, affectionately known in Newfoundland as the “Nightingale of the North.” Georgina Ann Stirling (April 3, 1867 – April 23, 1935) was a Newfoundland opera singer, known by the stage name Marie Toulinquet. Born in Twillingate, Newfoundland, she became a world-renowned prima donna who performed in opera houses throughout Europe and the United States; she was Newfoundland’s first opera singer.
Newfoundland born Soprano, Tonia Evans Cianciulli performed her concert at two St. John’s churches this past May. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday and 150 years ago that Georgina Stirling was born, Reverend Joanne Mercer of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Twillingate, reached out to request Miss Cianciulli to return to Newfoundland for a one night performance in honour of Georgina Stirling. The evenings program features not only repertoire performed by the original “Nightingale of the North” but will also provide historical interjections about Newfoundland’s musical heritage. A special feature song will be revealed during the evening written by the late Newfoundland singer/songwriter Ron Hynes.
“Tonia Evans Cianciulli’s re-creation of the presence of Georgina Stirling coupled with her formidable knowledge of her music and performing style, shines a spotlight on a person long forgotten by some, or perhaps even unknown to many. Miss Stirling’s rich contributions to life in Newfoundland, enjoys a contemporary resurrection through the professionalism and warmth of Tonia’s performance. It was and will be a treat for us all!”
Douglas Dunsmore, Gower United Church – Music Director
Faculty of Music – Memorial University, Conductor of NSO Philharmonic Choir
BIO- TONIA EVANS CIANCIULLI
Newfoundland born, Canadian Soprano, Tonia Evans Cianciulli has an extensive background and experience on the operatic stage and in classical music. Tonia has gained a reputation as well for her touching and inspiring performances at purpose driven events such as fundraisers, charity events, motivational seminars, and galas. Most recently, Tonia has performed solo concerts of operatic and cross- over repertoire at such events including: Annual Miami Ball in South Beach, MIAMI, Juvenile Diabetes Masquerade in OAKVILLE, ON, Toronto Police Chief’s Gala –Victim Services, BESTIVAL Music Festival in TORONTO, Ontario, and OMEY Projects Arts Festival in PORTUGAL. Tonia continues to tour her Nightingale of the North/Canada’s 150th Tribute concert across Newfoundland with upcoming dates this 2017 in Toronto, ON. Tonia holds a Bachelor of Voice Performance from The University of Western Ontario and continues to hone her craft in both Opera and Crossover in Miami with operatic coach, MANNY PAREZ and, Toronto with ELAINE OVERHOLT and BRIAN MCINTOSH (London). www.wisharts.ca