Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
Acclaimed Canadian tenor, Joey Niceforo is thrilled to present Harmonizing Hearts – Music For A Cause, an extraordinary night of music in support of the Canadian Foundation For AIDS Research (CANFAR) at Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall on Monday, November 20, 2023.
The concert features Niceforo’s incredible vocals alongside the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Sabatino Vacca andthe Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Paolo Busato, who will be featured on piano and Roy Thomson Hall’s Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ. The night will also feature performances from international opera singer Sara Papini, and Singing Out, Toronto’s largest 2SLGBTQQIA+ choir. The night will be hosted by Canadian journalist, media personality, philanthropist, and Order of Canada recipient, Jeanne Beker.
In recognition of World AIDS Day (December 1, 2023), proceeds from the event will support the important work of CANFAR, Canada’s only independent charitable foundation dedicated to ending Canada’s HIV epidemic through innovative research and strategic implementation projects. This research has led to incredible advances in HIV treatment, care and prevention that has transformed the landscape of HIV/AIDS in Canada, but there’s still significant work to be done to end HIV as a public health threat.
Joey Niceforo made his professional debut in 2005 when he joined the original Canadian Tenors. He then formed his classical crossover ensemble Destino in 2006, which toured internationally, including performances at the Beijing and Vancouver Olympics, Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, and a national tour with the Rankin Family. Joey has performed across Canada, the United States, Italy, Czech Republic and China, mesmerizing audiences with his voice and dynamic performances. Niceforo has performed alongside artists such as Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cochrane, and Marie Osmond.
Niceforo recorded his debut solo album Priceless at Abbey Road Studios in London, England which debuted on iTunes Canada at #3 and has hit the top 100 charts in Ireland, Australia, the United States, and South Africa. It was produced by Grammy Award winning John Jones (Celine Dion, Duran Duran), Grammy award winning and Tony Nominated Steve Sidwell (2012 Olympics, Moulin Rouge, Sarah Brightman, Michael Buble) and Sam Reid (Glass Tiger). Niceforo will be touring the U.S. and Canada in 2023-2024 and is enjoying his residency as a featured guest artist with the Casa Loma Symphony series.
I had the opportunity to chat with Joey about his musical journey so far, what fans can expect from his performance at Roy Thomson Hall and more.
Kat: You’re set to perform at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on November 20, what can fans expect?
Joey: The idea of the show came from one of the producers of the Album “Priceless” that I recorded at Abbey Road Studios in the U.K.. We were out for dinner, and he asked if I had ever performed at Roy Thomson Hall, which I never have, and said he would like to produce a concert there. Not only for me but also for, and with, people in the community. Doing something for a good cause but bringing in friends and colleagues that I’ve worked with before.
We have the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Paolo Busato and The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Sabatino Vacca with special guests Soprano Sara Papini, Singing Out: Toronto 2SLGBTQIIA+ Choir, and more all hosted by Jeanne Beker.
I was trained as an opera singer but have become more of a ‘crossover’ singer who likes to sing everything (within reason lol). We will showcase many tracks from the Abbey Road album (ABBA, Elton John, Neil Sedaka, Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey, Sinatra, some musical theatre pieces, some operatic pieces sung by Sara Papini and much more!
Kat: Can you talk about your support for CANFAR and why you decided to partner with them?
Joey: We wanted to partner with an organization that could benefit from the event. Although there are many worthy and wonderful organizations the first one that came to mind was The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). We have supported them and their cause for years and were honoured when Alex Filiatrault, Chief Executive Officer and CANFAR agreed to be a part of this concert. Not only does this organization do amazing work within our communities across Canada for people living with HIV/AIDS, they have also contributed invaluable scientific work for prevention and education. We are honoured to partner with them at this event.
Kat: Will there be any special guests joining you?
Joey: I’ve been lucky enough to be regular performer for the past 2 years at the Casa Loma music series (‘Symphony in the gardens – Casa Loma’ and ‘Twilight Symphony at the Castle’) under the direction of my friend Maestro Paolo Busato. I also recently had performed with another friend of mine Maestro Sabatino Vacca with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.
We thought it would be amazing to combine these two great community orchestras as well as add my dear friend and colleague, soprano, Sara Papini who I have probably sung with the most with in my career. Her voice and stage presence are incredible and our friendship and respect for each other brings out a natural dynamic between the two of us on stage. She’s also a regular at the Casa Loma concerts.
We needed someone at the helm that could bring all of us together and be the MC for the evening. Our first thought/hope/wish list was our friend, Toronto’s very own and Canadian icon Jeanne Beker. When Kyle invited her to participate, she didn’t hesitate to be our Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Needless to say, we were BEYOND thrilled!
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of creating a special live experience like this?
Joey: I think it’s a bit scary when you’re producing the biggest chunk of the show on your own, sharing the stage with so many talented people, with an incredible organization for which the proceeds will benefit, you just want it to be a success. You want people in their seats, and you want it to be a night of beautiful music that people will enjoy and remember. We’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing sponsors – Liberty Entertainment Group and Sirius XM Canada, Toronto Creatives as well as some private donors and sponsors.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Joey: Definitely recording my first album “Priceless” at Abbey Road studios in the U.K..The recording was a dream! Two full days at one of the most famous recording studios in the world with an incredible 80-piece orchestra and singing arrangements by Grammy Winner Steve Sidwell. After it’s release, the album hit number 3 on iTunes Canada as well as the top 100 in several other countries and has amassed a few million views on YouTube. Best musical experience of my life!
Kat: What’s next?
I’ve been asked to perform at Casa Loma for the winter series again, a tour in the United States and continuing concerts throughout Canada.
Harmonizing Hearts – Music for a Cause is possible thanks to the support of partners including SiriusXM Canada, Liberty Entertainment Group and Toronto Creatives.
Tickets for Harmonizing Hearts – Music for a Cause are on sale Friday September 8 at 10:00 am ET, and available here. Tickets start at $60 (plus service fees), and limited VIP packages are available for $150 and include a meet & greet and premium seats.
Connect With Joey
WEBSITE:
SOCIALS:
https://www.facebook.com/joeyniceforo/