CELEBRATING SOFIA LOREN, THE ITALIAN ICON, featuring ITALIAN TENOR PASQUALE ESPOSITO and CONDUCTED BY CARLO PONTI
October 26 @ 7:30 pm
Join us for a musical extravaganza that pays tribute to the Italian Icon, Sophia Loren’s remarkable life and achievements. This special evening will be highlighted by a magnificent concert featuring the acclaimed Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Maestro Carlo Ponti. Immerse yourself in an evening of enchanting melodies and captivating storytelling, a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and music of Italy while paying homage to the extraordinary career and life of Sophia Loren. The multi-media production will be a night to remember.
PASQUALE ESPOSITO was born and raised in Naples, Italy. He immigrated to the United States winning the Green Card Lottery in 1998. He pursued his passion for music by studying at San Jose State University receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree where he was a distinguished alumnus in 2009. He is an international crossover recording artist, acclaimed for his pop-opera delivery of songs. Esposito released 13 albums and 4 PBS Specials. Esposito had his successful debut at San Francisco Opera in June 2015 with the premiere of Marco Tutino’s Two Women (an opera adaptation of the 1960s film La Ciociara –with Sophia Loren whom he had the pleasure of sharing the stage with in her recent US Tour). The New York Times stated that Esposito sang with “airy charm” for his performance of Ragazzo del Popolo while the San Francisco Chronicle described Esposito as “a charismatic and dulcet-toned singer.” When not performing, Esposito teaches voice lessons. He also founded Notable Music and Arts Organization in 2012, a music education non-profit.
CARLO PONTI was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He is the son of the late film producer Carlo Ponti Sr. and the Italian actress Sophia Loren. He has guest conducted internationally and was the recipient of various awards for fostering the growth of young musical talent through music education. Ponti has been associate conductor of the Russian National Orchestra from 2000 to 2018 and was music director and principal conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony from 2001 to 2013. In 2013, he founded the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, an ensemble emphasizing music’s educational value of which he is artistic and music director. The Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra is currently performing its tenth concert season (2024–2025) in Los Angeles. Ponti has released two recordings with the Russian National Orchestra on the Pentatone label and his work and performances have been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC/Universal, NPR, PBS, ORF, Sky News, Spectrum, KTLA, Fox News, Leonard Lopate, Dennis Miller, Symphony Magazine, Classical KUSC, the Associated Press, American Public Media’s Performance Today and America’s Music Festivals.
