Four talented Pumas from Paradise Valley Community College’s Fine and Performing Arts program have been selected to join the backing choir for global superstar Andrea Bocelli at his Phoenix concert on December 5, 2024, at Footprint Arena in downtown Phoenix. The students – Noelle Krugman, Bobby Cave, David Chasca, and PVCC adjunct faculty member Jeanette Winzeler, who also serves as the director of PVCC’s Community Choir, were chosen following a competitive audition process.
As members of PVCC’s Community Choir, these musicians will join a prestigious group of performers supporting Bocelli, renowned for his powerful tenor voice and breathtaking performances worldwide.
Jeanette Winzeler expressed her excitement about this incredible opportunity, “Performing with Andrea Bocelli is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students. It’s a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the strong foundation PVCC provides in fine and performing arts. I’m beyond proud of them and thrilled to share the stage with such an iconic artist,” she stated.
"This is an extraordinary achievement for Noelle, Bobby, David, and Jeanette, and it’s a moment of immense pride for our Fine and Performing Arts program.” said Chris Scinto, Fine and Performing Arts division chair. “Being selected to perform with an artist of Andrea Bocelli’s caliber speaks to their exceptional talent and dedication, as well as the quality of the training and opportunities we provide here at PVCC. It not only elevates their personal artistic journeys but also shines a spotlight on the incredible work happening within our program. This experience will be transformative for them, and I couldn't be more thrilled to see them represent PVCC on such a grand stage."
“I was ecstatic when I found out I was chosen to be in the choir,” said Krugman, who has listened to Bocelli since she was a little girl. “It’s something out of a dream or movie! Never in my life did I think I’d be given the opportunity to perform alongside one of the greatest tenors in history.”
Krugman described how she and her father had dueted many times over the years to Bocelli and Celine Dion’s The Prayer, so it has special meaning to her. Bocelli’s performance will undoubtedly be a highlight for the PVCC students, further inspiring their artistic growth and expanding their musical horizons.
“I have told the choir that this is the year of opportunities for our group,” Winzeler added. “They are strong individuals and musicians who are making choral music come alive at PVCC! I am extremely proud of all the students who took the risk and auditioned!
For more information on PVCC’s music program visit Music | Paradise Valley Community College. To learn more about PVCC’s Community Choir, check out this latest story.