Tenor of the Americas Maximo Marcuso will be performing a benefit concert with guest soprano Mariana Mor Friday, November 18, for Pasadena nonprofit Professional Child Development Associates (PCDA), at The Pasadena Playhouse’s Carrie Hamilton Theater.

 

Marcuso, a classical crossover concert singer and recording artist, began his incredible journey as a member of an artistic family in Guatemala. At age 7, Marcuso’s musical ability was revealed, and his family, many of them directors and performers of that country’s National Philharmonic Orchestra, encouraged him to pursue his natural talents. His uncle, Colonel Nery Cano, a world-class conductor, further nurtured his rising stature.

 

Marcuso’s outstanding voice and musical gifts flourished further at the National Cultural Center Art Academy and at the prestigious Maria Callas School of Opera.

 

In the U.S., Marcuso studied with Igor Stravinsky’s protégé, soprano Arlene Slater-Stone, former voice teacher of the Juilliard School of Music. He next studied vocal arts at The Colburn School of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California.

 

Marcuso recently received the Blood and Fire Award of Excellence from Major General Megan P. Tatu, Chief of Staff of the 63rd Regional Readiness Command, U.S. Army, for his renditions of patriotic songs, including the “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” As a musical ambassador to the world, Maximo has been honored and awarded by both the California Legislature Assembly and by the California State Senate for his invaluable artistic contributions to the arts and education.

 

The PCDA is an organization whose focus is on child development for children from birth to 21 years of age and their families, especially when there is any concern regarding development or behavior. The group serves children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, premature birth, genetic syndromes, and/or other developmental or behavioral concerns.

 

PCDA child specialists provide evaluation, consultation and intervention services as a multi-disciplinary team under the direction of Dr. Diane Cullinane, developmental pediatrician, and Mimi Winer, child development specialist.

 

Friday’s performance will start at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at El Portal Restaurant, hosted by Abel Ramirez.

 

Tickets are $125. For tickets, please contact Robert Bain at [email protected] or call (626) 793-7350 ext. 281.

 

For more information, visit www.pcdateam.org/maximomarcusoconcert.