JACKIE EVANCHO WITH RAVINIA FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Constantine Kitsopoulos, Conductor
Conrad Tao, Piano
Umebayashi: “Lovers” from House of Flying Daggers
Handel: “Ombra mai fu” from Serse
Harline & Smith: “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio
Morricone: Nella Fantasia
Puccini: “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi
“Nessun dorma” from Turandot

July 7, Highland Park, IL, Jacqueline Marie “Jackie” Evancho, an 11-year old classical crossover star took the stage for her debut concert at beautiful Ravinia Pavilion as part of its Ravinia Festival to promote her new album, Dream With Me. Despite the rain many supporters came to listen to a “voice of an angel” sing. The Pavilion sold out and the lawn, where one could barely find any space, appeared to be full of eager faces ready to embrace their little starlet!

When Jackie entered the stage the crowd became excited and few even yelled out their little star’s name. She smiled and waved at the audience. It was apparent that she has not become accustomed to her recently found fame. She is just a little, beautiful girl, with warmth and charisma. Once she begins to sing, you cannot help but wonder where is this sound coming from?

It was by chance that Jackie’s mother 3 years ago heard her singing songs from the musical and decided to enter her into a local contest. Her parents were doubtful, having not realized at the time that not only will their daughter take the second place, but will later be selected to participate in America’s Got Talent competition and finish second to a 30 year old Michael Grimm. A rags to riches musical star.

Jackie quickly gained popularity after her performance continuing to “wow” the audience cross-country. Much like her predecessor preteen Charlotte Church did a decade ago, Jackie’s voice belies her age. Her soprano voice is no voice of an 11 year old child. It deftly traverses the musical scale with power and grace.

This multi-talented starlet besides singing also plays a violin and piano as well as writes song lyrics. Having impressed David Foster – who has worked with renowned vocal stars such as Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, co-wrote the title track on “Dream With Me,” a record produced by David Foster.

Etta Cox, a jazz singer and instructor from Pittsburgh remarked: "Her voice just doesn't fit her body. I've never heard a voice like that in a 10-year-old, and I've been teaching voice for many years. The maturity of her voice is incredible for someone her age.”

At Ravinia Jackie performed such hits as “O mio babbino caro,” “A Time For Us,” “Angel,” and “All I Ask of You.” She left the stage having received standing ovation. Her career has just begun and I cannot help but wonder where it will take her. Ravinia once again delivered!
For future concert information at Ravinia contact 847.266.5100.

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Leonard Mogul
Kontinent Media Group
Photos by: Angelo Palanti