| ColorBlindMusic Ministries All Things Are Possible With God ~ Luke 1:37 |
| Merry Christmas, New York City |
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| Raymond Arroyo / Master of Ceremonies Raymond Arroyo is an award winning journalist best known as host and creator of EWTN’s international news magazine, "The World Over Live", viewed globally in over 100 million homes. In this role, Arroyo has interviewed leading figures of the day such as an exclusive sit down with Mel Gibson on the set of his controversial film, “The Passion of the Christ” and a landmark interview with Pope Benedict XVI, the only English language conversation ever recorded with the pontiff. Arroyo and his work have been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN Headline News to name a few and he has worked for Associated Press and the political team of /Evans and Novak. He was a Capitol Hill correspondent, published by The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, The Financial Times, and The National Catholic Register. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Arroyo also studied acting and directing under numerous theatre legends including Stella Adler. He is author of the New York Times Bestseller: “Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles” published by Doubleday, 2005. He resides in Northern Virginia with his wife Rebecca and their three children. He is currently working on a mystery series and an original musical. Please visit www.RaymondArroyo.com Lynn Geyer / Producer As a singer/songwriter Lynn has recorded three albums. “Music of the Light”, received a Unity Award from the United Catholic Music and Video Association (UCMVA.com). Her newest CD, “Christmas All Year Through” earned numerous Unity Award Nominations. She has produced a CD single, “Until We Meet Again”, for those who perished on 9/11 and their survivors. Two of her recorded covers, Holy is His Name and A Child Shall Lead have been listed in the Top Ten Songs for Advent on the newly formed TopCatholicSongs.com. Lynn authored the nationally recognized “Journey to Forgiveness”, an examination of conscience for teens and young adults, which includes a 17 song CD, and was selected for use during World Youth Day 2002. She has performed, spoken or presented workshops in countless churches on the east coast, as well as in conferences throughout the US, Canada, Spain, Italy, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Barbados and Trinidad. Lynn, with friend Donna Lee, is co-founder of “Concerts for Life” and she DJs GloryGirls/Women Who Serve, 24/7 internet radio.She’s President of CAM, the Catholic Association of Music, founded by John Michael Talbot to provide guidance/fellowship for Catholic musicians in public ministry. Through her own ministry, ColorBlindMusic, Lynn and husband, Gene, produce the annual “Merry Christmas, New York City” as a reminder to keep Christ in Christmas. She is also hoping to produce “Hallelujah, New York City!” to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. Please visit www.ColorBlindMusic.com Oh,You're here! :o) |
| Who's Who in"Merry Christmas, New York City!" 2008 |
Father Stan Fortuna CFR
From his earliest days growing up in New York, Father Stan Fortuna has lived a life of passion and purpose. When he was in the 2nd grade, his father gave him a Christmas
present that was to define his destiny – a red Gibson electric guitar. It was quickly discovered that Fr. Stan had an ear for music and a knack for musical expression and
composition. This talent was obvious especially when he started playing the bass.
Through disciplined and fervent practice Fr. Stan became a skilled and noted New York area performer and studied for a time with the late jazz legend Lennie Tristano. Fr.
Stan was often enlisted to play sessions and in venues such as Birdland and Lincoln Center with the likes of Warne Marsh, Sal Mosca, Peter Scattaretico and Peter Prisco.
With the latter two, he formed Scola Tristano, and the trio has produced a number of jazz albums – one of which was recently released by Universal Music. Fortuna
continues to perform with them today when time permits.
However, it was also in early adulthood that Fr. Stan began hearing his true calling in life and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest. He is one of the eight original
members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an order established in the Archdiocese of New York under the jurisdiction of John Cardinal O'Connor in
1987. The Community adheres to an ascetic lifestyle and lives in the heart of the South Bronx ministering to the poverty-stricken.
While studying to enter the priesthood, Fr. Stan was working in Spanish Harlem during his formation years. It was there that he discovered a style he dubs ‘rhythm and
rhyme’ and was interested in its improvisational nature. He heard people in the neighbourhood ‘rap’ about their daily lives/struggles, and he soon learned how to integrate
this technique into his own music. In time and with the encouragement of his Community, Fr. Stan developed an affinity for this artform and started using rap to reach out to
the less fortunate.
Fr. Stan established Francesco Productions (www.francescoproductions.com) in 1987, a non-profit company which distributes his music, teaching tapes, videos and DVD’s
for the benefit of the poor in the area. From Contemporary Christian to Jazz, Folk, Reggae and Rap, this incredible musician and composer continues to produce music for
the enjoyment of all, using it as a powerful means to reach deep into the heart and soul of both young and old throughout the world.
Although Fr. Stan lives in the South Bronx where he serves needy families, he is internationally known for his music as well as for his powerful preaching. Fr. Stan travels
extensively having been invited to perform his music and proclaim the Gospel at conferences, retreats, rallies and festivals in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa and the
Caribbean. He was invited to preach and perform at the 1999 St. Louis youth rally during John Paul II’s visit, is often a featured speaker at various Franciscan University
Youth Conferences, Youth 2000 events and has also appeared numerous times on EWTN and FOCUS Worldwide.
He released his third rap album – Sacro Song 3: The Completion of the Trilogy – last year and just completed his third book “U Got To Love” to be published in Fall 2008.
His other books “U Got To Pray” and “U Got To Believe” along with all of his other 20+ dvds and cd’s can be ordered through his website www.francescoproductions.com. A
documentary, “Sent”, detailing his life and showcasing his work is now in production to be completed by 2008. All proceeds from Fr. Stan’s concerts, tours and merchandise
sales go to Francesco Productions’ and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal’s hands-on work with the poor. Francesco Productions recently started FILO – Francesco
International Outreach to help the underprivileged abroad including Uganda and Poland. www.francescoproductions.com
From his earliest days growing up in New York, Father Stan Fortuna has lived a life of passion and purpose. When he was in the 2nd grade, his father gave him a Christmas
present that was to define his destiny – a red Gibson electric guitar. It was quickly discovered that Fr. Stan had an ear for music and a knack for musical expression and
composition. This talent was obvious especially when he started playing the bass.
Through disciplined and fervent practice Fr. Stan became a skilled and noted New York area performer and studied for a time with the late jazz legend Lennie Tristano. Fr.
Stan was often enlisted to play sessions and in venues such as Birdland and Lincoln Center with the likes of Warne Marsh, Sal Mosca, Peter Scattaretico and Peter Prisco.
With the latter two, he formed Scola Tristano, and the trio has produced a number of jazz albums – one of which was recently released by Universal Music. Fortuna
continues to perform with them today when time permits.
However, it was also in early adulthood that Fr. Stan began hearing his true calling in life and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest. He is one of the eight original
members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an order established in the Archdiocese of New York under the jurisdiction of John Cardinal O'Connor in
1987. The Community adheres to an ascetic lifestyle and lives in the heart of the South Bronx ministering to the poverty-stricken.
While studying to enter the priesthood, Fr. Stan was working in Spanish Harlem during his formation years. It was there that he discovered a style he dubs ‘rhythm and
rhyme’ and was interested in its improvisational nature. He heard people in the neighbourhood ‘rap’ about their daily lives/struggles, and he soon learned how to integrate
this technique into his own music. In time and with the encouragement of his Community, Fr. Stan developed an affinity for this artform and started using rap to reach out to
the less fortunate.
Fr. Stan established Francesco Productions (www.francescoproductions.com) in 1987, a non-profit company which distributes his music, teaching tapes, videos and DVD’s
for the benefit of the poor in the area. From Contemporary Christian to Jazz, Folk, Reggae and Rap, this incredible musician and composer continues to produce music for
the enjoyment of all, using it as a powerful means to reach deep into the heart and soul of both young and old throughout the world.
Although Fr. Stan lives in the South Bronx where he serves needy families, he is internationally known for his music as well as for his powerful preaching. Fr. Stan travels
extensively having been invited to perform his music and proclaim the Gospel at conferences, retreats, rallies and festivals in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa and the
Caribbean. He was invited to preach and perform at the 1999 St. Louis youth rally during John Paul II’s visit, is often a featured speaker at various Franciscan University
Youth Conferences, Youth 2000 events and has also appeared numerous times on EWTN and FOCUS Worldwide.
He released his third rap album – Sacro Song 3: The Completion of the Trilogy – last year and just completed his third book “U Got To Love” to be published in Fall 2008.
His other books “U Got To Pray” and “U Got To Believe” along with all of his other 20+ dvds and cd’s can be ordered through his website www.francescoproductions.com. A
documentary, “Sent”, detailing his life and showcasing his work is now in production to be completed by 2008. All proceeds from Fr. Stan’s concerts, tours and merchandise
sales go to Francesco Productions’ and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal’s hands-on work with the poor. Francesco Productions recently started FILO – Francesco
International Outreach to help the underprivileged abroad including Uganda and Poland. www.francescoproductions.com
| Fr. Charles and Laurie Mangano |
On a warm summer evening in 1999, a young charismatic priest stood in front of a microphone before 40,000 people in Lourdes, France. A deafening silence fell over the crowd as he began to sing the words of "Gentle Woman", a ballad loving Mary, the Mother of God. Yet if this priest had listened to the words of a music teacher from his childhood this awesome moment would never have taken place. Father Charles' musical interests began at the age of twelve. Although his music teacher told him that he was tone deaf, he persevered through the encouragement of his family and the grace of God. Father Charles' love of music developed into a much deeper and stronger love - his love of the Lord. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the diocese of Rockville Centre in 1990. Shortly after, he began to integrate his music into his priestly ministry. "Through my music, I hope to bring people closer to God and to aid them in their journey toward wholeness and integration". It was during his first assignment at St. Catherine of Sienna parish that people began to encourage him to share his gift of music by recording it professionally. It was then that Father Charles enlisted the vocal talent of his sister, Laurie, a wife and devoted mother, and successful model who has done runway work in Manhattan and graced the pages of the New York Times and Modern Bride. As a child, Laurie sang for God in Church and discovered Him through song. As a result, she developed an intimate relationship with Him. As the years passed, she and other family band members won many awards, which paved the way for her budding solo pop music career. This left her unfulfilled. “Performing was fun, but something very deep was missing. Singing for God gave purpose to my song.” This invitation from her brother now gave her the opportunity to use her angelic voice to join him in song. And so Father Charles and Laurie’s music ministry was born! This dynamic duo have appeared at countless venues from "Nights of Recollection" at local parishes to sold-out concerts at Westbury Music Fair, the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, as well as the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Brooklyn. They have performed internationally, but their most moving connection with an audience was with inmates at a woman’s prison. The many cards, letters and emails they receive help them realize the hope that their music brings to all of God’s people no matter where they are on their journey. Wherever they appear, their sold out audience is treated to a spectacular evening of a real musical feast celebrating the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. They have been called the best kept secret in Christian music, but the secret is out!!!! Together they have released six successful albums: LEAD ME, LORD, I CALL YOU FRIEND, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, TRUST HIS HEART, CELEBRATE JESUS, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER along with producing videos and a DVD of their major concert events. Their seventh album, UNBELIEVABLE LOVE, will be released this fall. They have completed 12 seasons as hosts of their own television show, a program of faith sharing, music and prayer on Long Island’s Telecare Network and Brooklyn and Manhattan’s The Prayer Channel, which also airs Laurie’s “New York Woman.” Laurie also presents her “Power of Women” program to many women’s groups. Whether it is through Father Charles’ pastorate or their music ministry, their goal has always been the same; to convey the awesome love of God so that people will be touched with a renewed sense of faith and the courage to live it out. A by-product of their ministry has been donating to charity, including Little Flower Children's Services of New York, Catholic Charities FAN program, The Life Center of Long Island, Father Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Inc., Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation for Catholic Elementary School Education, the Carol Baldwin Breast Care Center, the West Maui Domestic Abuse Task Force and Rolling Thunder (helping developmentally disabled children) and others. A portion of their album sales and concerts also go to charity. To date, Father Charles and Laurie have donated in excess of a quarter of a million dollars to these and other worthwhile causes. Through their voices, actions and total involvement in their music, it is evident that God has raised them up for a very special work. These servants of God are certainly touching and changing hearts. www.FrCharlesLaurie.com |
Al Barbarino
Al Barbarino is a Lay Franciscan of the St. Padre Pio Shelter run by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a member of
the Knights of Columbus. In the past 17 years Al has recorded many CDs and DVDs, which all benefit the shelter and the
international efforts of Croatian relief. These recordings include spiritual and inspirational music as well as strong messages
of evangelization on the DVDs.
Practically every weekend Al can be found singing and speaking to different parishes throughout the USA and abroad,
bringing a message of evangelization and helping the poor, including the poor of whatever parish where he happens to be
ministering.
In addition to singing at the Sunday masses, Al also conducts parish mission retreats, concerts, emcees conferences, etc.
He has presented in England, France, Italy, Ireland, Canada, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and has been invited
to India and Africa. All this is for the primary purpose of helping the poor through evangelization.
Al is married, has three children and works as a counselor in the NYC prison system for incarcerated youth. Please support
his ministry by visiting www.AlBarbarino.com
Al Barbarino is a Lay Franciscan of the St. Padre Pio Shelter run by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a member of
the Knights of Columbus. In the past 17 years Al has recorded many CDs and DVDs, which all benefit the shelter and the
international efforts of Croatian relief. These recordings include spiritual and inspirational music as well as strong messages
of evangelization on the DVDs.
Practically every weekend Al can be found singing and speaking to different parishes throughout the USA and abroad,
bringing a message of evangelization and helping the poor, including the poor of whatever parish where he happens to be
ministering.
In addition to singing at the Sunday masses, Al also conducts parish mission retreats, concerts, emcees conferences, etc.
He has presented in England, France, Italy, Ireland, Canada, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and has been invited
to India and Africa. All this is for the primary purpose of helping the poor through evangelization.
Al is married, has three children and works as a counselor in the NYC prison system for incarcerated youth. Please support
his ministry by visiting www.AlBarbarino.com
| Dr. Jennifer Pascual, DMA Director, NY Archdiocesan Festival Chorale and Music Director, Cathedral of St. Patrick |
| The Ballet Company of June Claire |
| Dr. Jennifer Pascual was appointed Director of Music at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City in 2003. She is the first woman to hold this position, one of the most prestigious sacred music appointments in the United States. Jennifer earned a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY where she studied with David Higgs and taught undergraduate theory courses. She holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Mannes College of Music in New York City where she studied with Nina Svetlanova and studied organ privately with Mc Neil Robinson. She received the Bachelor of Music Degrees in Piano and Organ Performance, magna cum laude, and Music Education from Jacksonville University in Florida where she studied with Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick and William Saunders and taught both organ and piano in the University’s Continuing Education Department. She was on the Artistic Staff of the Boys Choir of Harlem, Inc. from 1994 to 2003. She has served as an organist and choir director in the Dioceses of St. Augustine, FL and Rochester, NY, and the Archdioceses of Newark, NJ and New York City, NY, and has served at three Roman Catholic Cathedrals. She conducts the New York Archdiocesan Festival Chorale and is Professor and Director of Music of St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in New York. Dr. Pascual is a member of the American Guild of Organists, NY Archdiocesan Music Commission and Chair of the Organ Committee, Steering Committee Member of the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians, Liturgical Organists Consortium, EastWest Organists, and National Association of Pastoral Musicians, where she serves on the National Board, as Vice-Chair of the Section Committee for Organists, and is a frequent recitalist and clinician at national conventions. She was a finalist in the 1990 Florida First Coast Piano Competition, performed Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto with the Jacksonville University Community Orchestra in 1993 while also a French Horn player in the orchestra, performed in the 1995 Bach Aria Festival, was a featured soloist in the 2004 International Bamboo Organ Festival in Manila and is a recipient of the Paderewski Medal and Theodore Presser Award. Jennifer has performed in Italy, Austria, the Philippines, and the United States. Recently, she had the privilege of overseeing all of the liturgical music for His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to New York as well as conducting three services. Two weeks later, she conducted the Cathedral of St. Patrick Choir for President Bush at the White House for National Day of Prayer. With the broadcast of live Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Dr. Pascual can be heard during the week at the organ on The Catholic Channel, SIRIUS 159, 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. EST and the Cathedral Choir which she conducts can be heard from 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. She also hosts a radio talk and music show called “Sounds from the Spires” on the same channel, Mondays 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST. Her Organ Music & Gregorian Chant from the Cathedral of St. Patrick CD on the JAV label is available at www.PipeOrganCDs.com. |
| The New York Archdiocesan Festival Chorale The Festival Chorale of the Archdiocese of New York is comprised of musicians representing some 35 parishes who serve in parish music ministries throughout the Archdiocese of New York. The Chorale was formed in 1986, when then music director Fr. Anthony Sorgie invited women from the surrounding parishes to join the seminarians in a small public concert of seasonal music for Advent and Christmas sung in the seminary chapel. Today, this small group has grown into a 100 voice mixed choir of men and women. Together, with the seminarians, they sing for the annual Christmas Concerts at the Seminary. They have sung in concert at St. Patrick's Cathedral and an Easter Concert performed during the Centenary celebration at the Performing Arts Center of the State University of New York in Purchase. They have performed works such as the Mozart Vespers of the Solemn Confessor, a handful of Masses by Mozart, the Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio, the Faure Requiem, the Yon Mass of the Shepherds, the Vivaldi Gloria and the last movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. In addition to concerts, the Festival Chorale sings for a number of Archdiocesan liturgies at St. Patrick’s Cathedral including the Chrism Mass and Ordination Masses as well as other liturgies throughout the Archdiocese. In 1995, members of the Festival Chorale had the privilege of singing during the 1995 visit of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II at Central Park, under the direction of the late John-Michael Caprio. Presently under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Pascual, the Festival Chorale sang for the New York Archdiocese Bicentennial Gala at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in January 2008 and for the Mass at Yankee Stadium during the April 2008 visit of His Holiness, Benedict XVI here in New York. |
Pianist, Rich Berretta
Accompanist, Raymond Arroyo
Accompanist, Raymond Arroyo
Previous Concerts, 2006 & 2007
Kristen O'Leary
Stage Manager 2008, 2007
Singer 2006
Stage Manager 2008, 2007
Singer 2006
Corrine Lewack
Associate Producer 2008, 2007
Singer 2006
Associate Producer 2008, 2007
Singer 2006
| Grateful for Support of Many Local Chapters of THE RED HAT SOCIETY |
Behind the Scenes 2008
