Internationally Acclaimed Tenor and New Jersey Native to Perform in Benefit Concert

PHILADELPHIA - Nov. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- As stories of tragedy and suffering continue to stream in from the Philippines, Philadelphians looking to help have two opportunities not just to give, but hear some beautiful singing from opera stars who are eager to support this cause. Artists and alumni from the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in collaboration with the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia will present a benefit concert at the church located at 21^st and Walnut Streets on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will go to Red Cross International. http://www.fpcphila.org/voices-for-relief/

Internationally Acclaimed Tenor and AVA alum, James Valenti will be performing with colleagues and AVA classmates in Philadelphia to raise money for the devastated victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Valenti’s friend and classmate, Jeff Halili is organizing this charitable effort to support his native country. “I am honored that Jeff has asked me to participate along with many other of our colleagues and teachers at AVA. I'm happy to volunteer my time and voice and sing with other amazing artists to help support this cause. I hope the people of Philadelphia will come out and support our efforts,” says Valenti.

Singing alongside Valenti will be AVA alumni and resident artists Michelle Johnson, Jessica Julin, Cristina Nassif, Margaret Mezzacappa, Jesus Garcia, Jeffrey Halili, Jason Switzer, (Christopher Bolduc), Luis Ledesma, Jeremy Milner, Musa Ngqungwana, and Jason Switzer with Ghena Meierson, Danielle Orlando, Tim Ribchester, Richard Raub and Laura Ward accompanying.

Valenti has performed in some of the most celebrated opera houses around the world including Teatro alla Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House London, Opera National de Paris, Sydney Opera House, Opera House Munich, Salzburg Festival, Deutsche Opera Berlin, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and Opernhaus Zürich to name a few. Valenti is an active philanthropist and celebrity ambassador for Children International. He is an advocate for getting involved with great causes and recently traveled with the organization to the Dominican Republic to meet with the children who he supports through the organization.

For more information contact MJ Pedone, CEO & Founder of Indra Public Relations, at MJ@indrapr.com.