MARIO FRANGOULIS A VOICE THAT INSPIRES | BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Mario Frangoulis is a Classical Crossover artist and tenor known the world over for his powerhouse vocals Theatre Jones said, “Frangoulis has a simply beautiful voice. Enjoying a live performance of this sound was and charismatic live performances. Billboard calls him, “Daring and inspring!” while CNN.com says, “His worth the price of admission. But he has more than this. His ability to rivet the adoration of the audience to his world is distilled to pure sound, all voice.” every motion was stunning.” Born in Africa and raised in , he studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he In late 2012, Mario was invited by Robin Gibb to record one of the last songs he ever wrote, “Daybreak,” from was discovered by Sir , referred to by as “the most successful, his epic composition The Titanic . In honor of Gibb, Mario performed it for the first time in an influential and powerful producer of our time.” Mackintosh immediately cast him to play Marius in Les emotional concert recorded for public television in the USA with the historic Pops at Symphony Hall Misérables in London’s West End and soon after, he was invited by Sir to play the role with the acclaimed Keith Lockhart conducting. Mario Frangoulis Live With The Boston Pops, his 3rd public of Raoul in Phantom of the Opera to great critical acclaim. It was during this time, that Mario discovered the television special after Sometimes I Dream and Music Of The Night, aired in late 2012/early 2013 and has operatic side of his voice. As a winner of the scholarship and Pavarotti competition, he found reached over 50M households throughout the USA and Canada airing mostly in prime time in the Top 10 himself on a path to Italy to study with the late tenor . television markets. Upon the recommendation of one of his mentors, the legendary mezzo-soprano , Mario went In 2015, Mario teamed up with 6-time Grammy winning maestro, arranger and producer Jorge Calandrelli to to Rome to audition for the acclaimed tenor Alfredo Kraus who was performing with Nicola Rescigno (Maria respond to his fans’ plea for a holiday album. The result was a world-class spiritual album — Tales of Callas’ favorite conductor). Both were impressed. Mario then became the only private student the late Kraus Christmas — released worldwide in October, 2015. In its first week, Tales of Christmas ranked at #14 on ever accepted. They traveled throughout the world, with Frangoulis studying and learning while Kraus Billboard’s Classical Charts and held the #14 and #18 positions for its entire marketplace duration (October performed. This intensive training cultivated Mario’s solid vocal technique and good high notes, both 2015-January, 2016). During the creation and recording of the album, Mario enjoyed over 30 major hallmarks of Kraus’ style. He continued to cultivate his vocal skill at the Julliard School of Music in New York, performances with highlights at New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, a special piano-voice recital with maestro studying under the guidance of Dodi Protero. and pianist Eugene Kohn (Placido Domingo, and Maria Callas’ accompanist in her famous “Master Classes” at Julliard in New York) at the foot of the at the Herod Atticus Theatre, a major solo Mario has performed in a wide range of roles in his career that have utilized his broad and deep skillset and performance in Dallas at the Winspear Opera House, and a holiday performance with Motown icon Smokey talent – both as a singer and actor. In the New Millennium he won (out of thousands) the role of Tony in West Robinson. Side Story and performed at Milan’s La Scala. He has played roles from with , and Alfred Drake from Kiss Me Kate in the film De Lovely, performing the song “” with world- Frangoulis is beloved by his supporters and fans not only because of his vocal talent, but also because of who famous singer , to lead roles in ancient Greek theater such as The Birds by and he is as a human being. Throughout his 25+ years on stage, he has been unwavering in his life-long epic roles such as , , and Prometheus performing in epic theatres such as in commitment to humanitarian causes, especially those that pertain to the protection of children. He is an Greece and Pergamon in . International Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans in the United States and Canada, and Ambassador of Peace for Nobel Peace Prize Winner Betty Williams’ World Centers of His recording career launched when he was discovered by Peter Gelb, the head of Classical, who now Compassion for Children International in Europe. The list of charities and philanthropic initiatives he has runs the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Since that time, he has completed over 15 personal recordings supported over the years is long, and include the Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation, Give US Your Poor, and sold over 1,000,000 albums worldwide. His debut as a Classical Crossover artist launched in 2002 with The Jericho Project, the Dalai Lama Center for Peace, Prince Charles of England’s Charities, UNESCO and the release of Sometimes I Dream with a second album Follow Your Heart fast on its heels (2002, 2006). many more. Both international albums solidified Mario as a top 3 Classical Crossover Artist on Bilboard where he held the #2 and #3 positions with Andrea Bocelli and for over 50 weeks. He is consistently ranked in the As Mario says, “Ultimately, I believe that our lives and purpose should be about preserving what is good in this top 10 on international charts, and in 2011 was voted Best Male Classical Crossover Artist globally, world – striving for peace and compassion – and doing this through music and an undying commitment to recognizing him as one of the most important artists in the genre. love. You have to show your personality, your character, and most of all your truth. You have to express the hopes of your soul, and that’s what my music is about. It’s simply about what it means to be human… I of Mario Frangoulis is known for his refined vocal interpretations, and unique ability to sing in over 5 languages. course want to be remembered as a talented artist, but most of all, I want to be remembered as a human He combines the classical and contemporary and loves to blend multiple styles (opera, pop, rock, folk, soul/ being who did his part to make this world a better place.” R&B, world). He has performed with world-class artists from Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras to Lara Fabian and , to and Klaus Meine; and orchestras such as the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Novaya Opera of Moscow, and the Philharmonia Orchstra of London (to name a few). MARIO FRANGOULIS | CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, UK; Winner of Maria Callas & Pavarotti Competitions. • “Marius” in Les Miserables (Cast by Sir Cameron Mackintosh) • “Raoul” in Phantom of the Opera (Cast by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber) • Mentored by Marilyn Horne & only student of Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus • of Music, New York, USA • “Tony” in at Teatro a la Scala, Milan • Sometimes I Dream CD released in 2002, PBS/public television special aired (2003, 2004), Sony Classical NY • Featured artist, Ceremonies, , Greece (2004) • Lead actor in ancient Greek theatre playing major roles such as: Achilles, Dionysus and Prometheus at Epidaurus and Pergamon • Follow Your Heart, 2nd international album (2005), Sony Classical • Ranked #2 and #3 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover charts with Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban for over 50 weeks • Role of Frances Drake in the movie De Lovely with Kevin Kline, Lara Fabian, Ashley Judd, Natalie Cole, Alanis Morissette • 18 personal albums, 14 guest/compilation albums, over 1,000,000 sold worldwide • Compilation Album Give US Your Poor in support of a US-based national campaign to end homelessness, with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Natalie Merchant, Jewel, Madeleine Peyroux and others (2007) • 40+ city “Symphony” tour with Sarah Brightman (2008) • Music of the Night CD/DVD aired on public television (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) • Global Ambassador for the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans (USA) (www.horatioalger.org) • Ambassador of Peace for World Centers of Compassion for Children International (Europe) (www.wccci.org) • Featured solo performer at the Dalai Lama’s Vancouver Peace Conference (2009) • Voted 2011 “Best Classical Crossover Male Artist” globally • Beautiful Things album, international Classical Crossover album • Co-Host of “Special Olympics” Opening Ceremonies with Vanessa Williams (2011) • Recording of “Daybreak” from Robin Gibb’s Titanic Requiem, UK release (one of his last songs ever written) (2012) • Mario Frangoulis Live With the Boston Pops public television special aired to over 50M+ television viewing households in the Top 10 US and Canadian markets (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) • Sold-out solo performance “Mario Frangoulis Live” at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York (2014) • Piano/Voice recital with Maestro Eugene Kohn, Herod Atticus Theater (2014) • Recording & launch of Tales of Christmas, holiday album produced and arranged by 6x Grammy winner Jorge Calandrelli (2015); 2015/2016 holiday season held #14, #18 positions on Billboard’s Classical charts • Joint holiday concert with Motown icon Smokey Robinson, (December, 2015) • New Greek studio album Kivotos released worldwide (May 1, 2016) • Summer 2016 tour of Asia with Sarah Brightman • Winter 2016 - new PBS Special “Sing Me An Angel” with soprano Sissel and filmed at the Herod Atticus Amphitheatre below the Acropolis MARIO FRANGOULIS | ORCHESTRA COLLABORATIONS

USA RUSSIA Boston Pops Novaya Opera Orchestra Boston Pops Esplanade Pops Orchestra Ossipov Russian Balalaika Orchestra Chicago Symphony Moscow New Opera Symphony Orchestra Symphony Kremlin Symphony Orchestra Dallas Symphony Omaha Symphony TURKEY Richmond Symphony Izmir Ballet and Opera State Symphony Orchestra St. Louis Philharmonic Ankara Devlet Opera y Balesi Orchestra York Symphony Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra ASIA & SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS Baltimore Opera Company Orchestra Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra with Guest Soprano Maki Mori LATIN AMERICA Special Concert with and Huang Ying at the Chihuahua Symphony () Announcement of the Beijing Olympic Games in a Tribute Concert Bravo China* in Athens, Greece. EUROPE Philharmonia Orchestra *The concert aired live in China on CCTV. London Philharmonic Orchestra London Royal Opera House Orchestra English Symphony Concert Orchestra Royal Philharmonic Orchestra The BBC Symphony Orchestra Prague Symphony Swedish Symphonic Orchestra Cyprus State Symphony Greek Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra Orchestra of Colours Symphony Orchestra of

MARIO FRANGOULIS | FEATURED ALBUM STATISTICS

TALES OF CHRISTMAS, 2015 PASSIONE: Billboard Classical Music Charts 2015 MARIO SINGS MARIO (LANZA), 2008 #14 on Classical Music Charts in week 6 Platinum in Greece #18 on Classical Music Charts in week 1 debut #5 on Sony BMG’s International Charts Released on Sony RED, EMI, iTunes, Amazon Released by Sony Europe

MARIO FRANGOULIS FOLLOW YOUR HEART, 2004/2005 LIVE WITH THE BOSTON POPS, 2012 Billboard Classical Crossover Charts December 2012-January 2015 aired to 50M + households #1 Andrea Bocelli DVD Released Exclusively on American Public Television #2 Josh Groban #3 Mario Frangoulis, #10 Top Classical Crossover 2005 43 Weeks on Billboard Classical Crossover Released by Sony Classical

SOMETIMES I DREAM, 2002/2003 Billboard Classical Crossover Charts #1 Andrea Bocelli #2 Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis BEAUTIFUL THINGS, 2011/2012 #3 Mario Frangoulis, Josh Groban Gold in Greece Upon Release 50+ weeks at #2 or #3 Released in 10 Countries Released by Sony Classical Released by Sony Europe, Sony RED, iTunes, Amazon FEATURE | TALES OF CHRISTMAS

Jorge Calandrelli, Producer www.jorgecalandrelli.com

Philharmonia Orchestra www.philharmonia.co.uk

“…Frangoulis displays his unique crystalline clarity of tone, which makes his singing seem effortless in execution, and it’s a beautiful and perfect fit with Jorge Calandrelli’s versatile arrangements and production choices. In fact, it’s the element of diversity in these songs that really grabs you and makes you take notice... Chaplin’s “Smile” is given a gorgeously simple treatment with Calandrelli’s piano work providing a stark and compelling counterpoint to Mario’s flawless voice... All the while Frangoulis is telling a story through song. This isn’t just a singer tackling the usual yuletide standards, but someone attempting to convey the true meaning of the season.”

~ Chris Gibson, Broadwayworld.com (From a review of Tales of Christmas) MARIO FRANGOULIS | THE PRESS

“…Perhaps U.S. audiences will discover what the rest of “Can he sing his way to that mountaintop? Yes… “Frangoulis has a simply beautiful voice. the world already knows: the cross-over sensation, You bask in the glistening dynamics and tonal Enjoying a live performance of this sound was blessed with movie-star good looks and one of the most control he brings to his vocals.” worth the price of admission. But he has more beautiful tenor voices on earth, is one of the most diverse ~ Porter Anderson, CNN.com than this. His ability to rivet the adoration of the and dynamic performers in the world today.” audience to his every motion was stunning…” ~ Peter Danish, Broadwayworld.com ~ Zachariah Stoughton, Theater Jones

“…Frangoulis’ phrasing was superb. His voice full “…This -born and Greek-raised and cultured and vibrant; his stage presence impeccable. He tenor is a veteran stage performer well versed in delivered “Something’s Coming” from West Side everything from classical opera to popular musical Story, with particular panache. Likewise, I don’t “With his usual world class performance drawing theater, even Shakespeare…the idea is to showcase the think I ever really appreciated the delicate beauty from all areas of his multiple musical ethnic and multi-lingual diversity of an extraordinary artist of “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables,” until he sung experiences and the top writers of the genre while also nudging him into the mainstream of adult it last night… His voice was so strong that he could penning the tracks, Beautiful Things proves he is contemporary music.” have blown away the entire Nourse Auditorium if he one of the most important artists of the Classical- ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide dispensed with the mic…” Crossover genre.” ~ Ashley Webb, StarkInsider ~ Editor, Classical-Crossover.co.uk

“With darkly handsome looks, highly personable demeanor and solid musical training — not to mention a distinctively warm, potent voice — Frangoulis is a “He has a terrific voice…his stage persona is that of “Forget the age of battling boy bands, the era of publicist’s dream… A crossover artist willing to give up a gracious, shy and excited performer who is dueling young tenors is upon us…Frangoulis amplification in a concert setting, even for a few minutes, genuinely pleased to be singing before an audience.” has effectively turned the formula inside out… seems... Unlikely... But the gesture fits in with the basic ~ Brian Callaghan, EdgeBoston.com Frangoulis treats the classics reverently…” Frangoulis philosophy of respecting the style of whatever ~ Jerry McCulley, Amazon.com music he sings.” ~ Tim Smith, Sun Music Critic MARIO FRANGOULIS | PERSONAL ALBUMS

“Frangoulis treats the classics with reverence…nuanced and emotionally satisfying.” - Jerry McCulley, Amazon.com MARIO FRANGOULIS | PERSONAL ALBUMS

“His world is distilled to pure sound. All voice.” - CNN.com MARIO FRANGOULIS | PERSONAL ALBUMS

“Daring and inspiring.” - Billboard MARIO FRANGOULIS | COMMITMENT TO HUMANITARIAN CAUSES

Betty Williams, HH Dalai Lama Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate Mario Frangoulis, , George Perris, Terrence J. Giroux, Alkistis Protopsalti, , Maestro Keith Lockhart, The Boston Pops 2012

Dear Friends, Each day, upwards of 35,000 children die from conditions of starvation, and the AIDS I begin this letter by extending my warmest congratulations to Mario Frangoulis as he epidemic sweeps across the world killing women and children by the thousands; and a new celebrates the 20th anniversary of his extremely successful and impressive career as form of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis attacks the already ravaged bodies of the an artist and performer. malnourished. This is absolutely unacceptable, and World Centers of Compassion for Children International is dedicated to changing these horrific facts whether due to war, starvation, Ten years ago I sat in an audience enthralled and with tears running down my face as child soldiers, or innocents sold into sexual slavery, we are dedicated to ending the tyranny I listened to Mario’s voice and marveled at the wonder of his gift. Beauty, they say, is children live with every day. These are our initiatives: in the eye of the beholder. But, the beauty of sound is in the ear of the listener. I felt that beauty so strongly I wept. • Building the first City of Peace in the world for Children in Italy. But never could I have hoped to meet the man with such a talent. However, the Gods • Making peace education in our schools top priority. smiled on me and not only have I met Mario; I spent three days in his company as we • Pushing through legislation at the highest levels of government worldwide for the toured the areas in the Region Basilicata, South Italy, where World Centers of Compassion protection of children’s rights. for Children International will begin building the first City of Peace in the world for I hope you will join us in this cause. I welcome your support to saving the lives of children. At journey’s end Mario decided to work with WCCCI. children, and to creating a better future for us all. Congratulations and thank you Mario! Therefore, it is with great appreciation and admiration that I announce Mario Frangoulis as my Global Ambassador for Peace in support of the cause of children on our planet. Mr. Frangoulis has graciously agreed to be a key partner with me, speaking and performing on behalf of my organization all over the world. Betty Williams Nobel Peace Laureate President and Founder, World Centers of Compassion for Children Intl.

Mario Frangoulis is a Global Ambassador for 2 Organizations: In the United States & Canada: The Horatio Alger Association. In Europe: WCCCI. MARIO FRANGOULIS |

www.mariofrangoulis.com Instagram: @MarioFrangoulis www.facebook.com/mariofrangoulis Twitter: @MarioFrangoulis [email protected]