Winner of the “Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts” (previous honoree Luciano Pavarotti), Cristina Fontanelli, has sang for two past American Presidents, in front of over 6,000 special guests and dignitaries. Her career has seen her perform in some of the best theatres worldwide. Cristina Fontanelli is appearing in a Broadway show called "The Family"

The accademia asked Cristina Fontanelli some questions:

1. Cristina Fontanelli, world famous soprano. How/when did your love for Opera start?

My love of opera started after I graduated from the famous acting academy in NY City, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I always had a very good voice, but my first love was acting and aside from taking voice lessons in High School, acting was the first that I studied seriously. At that time and for the first time, I read the libretto to Giacomo Puccin's "Tosca" and finally understood that there was a very dramatic story that I could sing, but more importantly for me especially at that time, that I could "dig my teeth into" acting-wise.

2. More recently, you made your acting debut on television. How did you find this transition? Do you see yourself becoming a full-time actress?

As I stated above, I have always loved acting - the ability to show human nature of all kinds through words and action and immersing oneself in the character. Having said that, it was like a dream come true to branch out into the field of acting for television/film. I don't forsee myself only acting, but I do foresee alot more of it in my future. As a matter of fact, I may be filming my first independent film shortly. The role is really wonderful, very funny!

3. Your operatic repertoire includes Mimi, Musetta, Violetta and the title role of “Madame Butterfly”. Have you ever experienced stage fright?

I rarely experience stage fright in my performing, but there is something about the difficulty of singing opera, the demands put on oneself vocally and in every way, that has caused me to have stagefright at times. I remember when I first started out, I was scheduled to sing on an important concert at NYC's Lincoln Center and I was "on the bill" with famous singers such as Giuseppe Di Stefano and Ferruccio Tagliaveni. The concert was an annual tradition featuring opera stars from the past, present and those up and coming. I was scared to death to just walk out on the stage to sing "Musetta's Waltz", a relatively easy piece to sing!!!

4. Your voice has taken you from the White House to some world famous theatres, TV and radio shows. Which would you consider the most important achievement of your career/life so far?

The event that stands out in my mind the most is when I was invited to sing in Washington D.C. at the 2005 Inauguration of President Bush. It
makes no difference what one's politics are, it was an incredible honor to have been chosen to perform there in service to my country. And the fact that I am the grandaughter of simple Pugliese, a fisherman/sailor from Molfetta, made it all the more incredible.

5. You are renowned all over Europe. What do you like most about Italy? What least?

Aside from all the things that most of the world loves about Italy - the culture, food, music, etc. I love Italy because that is where my "roots" are. That is where I can feel truly connected to the generations and generations that came before me. I do believe that we all have blood running through our veins from the place of our heritage and although we are born elsewhere, that bloodline effects everything we do. It is difficult to say what I like least about Italy because it is so wonderful. But if there is one thing, perhaps it is the fact that the people take alot for granted. Italians and those of Italian descent are so incredibly talented in so many areas that they can become so used to their gifts that they don't value them enough, something I myself have been guilty of in the past.

6. Your parents came from Molfetta. When did you last visit Puglia? Any plans for another visit soon?

I visited Puglia/Molfetta too long ago! I have advanced so much in my career. I would love to go back and sing in Bari/Molfetta. That would
complete the circle, so to speak.
 
7. Is there another soprano, past/present, that you find particularly inspiring?

When speaking of another soprano, the one that comes to my mind always and forever will be Maria Callas, whom I have been compared to in the media and in person at times. I believe it is something about my "persona" and my commitment to the drama in the music and intensity that reminds people of her, but I certainly wouldn't presume to be of her artistic stature. I also greatly admire the great Italian sopranos that laid the groundwork, such as Adelina Patti, Luisa Tettrazzini, Rose Ponselle, etc.

8. If you were to live in a different country, which city would you choose?

It's difficult to choose another city as I love New York so much. But I certainly have enjoyed and admired London very much as I love the theater. I also have a special affinity for Greece. But then, Molfetta is a Greek word and my grandfather's cognome is De Candia, which means "from Candia" the name of a city in Greece!

9. Future. What is your next dream?

In addition to acting for films...I will be appearing in a Broadway show called "The Family" and that has been a dream of mine to appear on Broadway. I also would love to sing with Andrea Bocelli.

10. What book will you pack for your next holiday? And which movie will you watch next?

what book I will read on Holiday.....I'm afraid it's rare that I go on Holiday, but some people say my whole life is a holiday as I love what I do so much. I do love to read though and enjoy airline travel because I can read and not be disturbed up there in the sky by phone calls, etc. I like to read about great people from the past, not only artists like myself and also books that give one insight into life. I also love the movies (not the violent ones though) and hope to catch up on some of the Academy Award winning movies that I didn't have time to see yet.

11. Finally, one of the objectives of the Accademia Apulia is to help youngsters benefit from an international work/study experience. We do this also by identifying role models that have been able to establish themselves overseas. You represent an exceptional example of which Puglia is particularly proud. What is your message for youngsters who are starting out?

My advice for youngsters starting out is to be very focused and sincere about their goals in life. Try to find experienced mentors to guide you and try always to keep your integrity and values as, ultimately you have to live with yourself and your decisions in life. Try not to get discouraged and remember that there is great joy in pursuing your dreams. Perhaps you will not succeed on the highest level because of life obstacles and obligations, but always be gratified that you tried as so many people never do and always wonder what would have happened if they had. Even though the road can be incredibly difficult, try to keep the joy in life and not get caught up in the idea of success, per se. Success has a whole other group of issues that goes with it. Take it one day at a time.

You can listen to Cristina’s amazing voice through www.cristinafontanelli.com