Wartburg’s “Music Under the Stars” features personal performance by Sopranos star Dominic Chianese
Wartburg’s “Music Under the Stars” features personal performance by Sopranos star Dominic Chianese
MOUNT VERNON, NY—December 20, 2018—Wartburg hosted its inaugural “Music Under the Stars”, with an intimate meet-and-greet under the tent in our beautiful Meadow on Wartburg’s Campus followed by a lively performance by Dominic Chianese, best known for his portrayal of Tony Soprano’s uncle “Junior” in the Emmy-award winning show The Sopranos.
Mr. Chianese started the evening by greeting and taking photos with the nearly 100 guests. He then began a 45-minute performance with a sing-along, followed by traditional and new songs. Mr. Chianese called out to people he had met earlier and sang songs in their first language, including German and Spanish. Also known for his role in The Godfather II, he surprised and entertained guests by singing a beautiful rendition of The Godfather theme song. He ended the performance with volunteer “Wartburg Dancers” as his back up to “Rolling on the River” by Tina Turner.
I’ve known of Dominic’s passion for working with seniors for years and it was a real thrill to see him live,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO. “We were able to raise some money for a good cause tonight and it is my hope that we can host similar events in the future.”
Mr. Chianese is an Emmy and Screen Actors Guild-nominated actor and has appeared in many films and television shows, including All the President’s Men, Law & Order, and Boardwalk Empire and is currently filming a CBS series, The Village, scheduled to air in Spring 2019.
Mr. Chianese’s passion for the benefits of providing music to seniors perfectly aligns with Wartburg’s mission. As an accomplished tenor and musician, he has spent more than 30 years spreading joy through music by performing in nursing homes. To complement his efforts, he founded the Joy Through Art Foundation which hires professional artists to provide music to nursing home residents in the New York City area. Wartburg is actively engaged in talking to Mr. Chianese about a partnership with his foundation to complement its robust music programs throughout its residential facilities and programs.
“It was a pleasure to perform for Wartburg’s residents and the surrounding communities. Wartburg and the Joy Through Art Foundation’s mission to provide stimulating art programming, particularly music, to the oldest members of our communities makes this partnership a solid foundation to ensure seniors live their best life,” said Chianese.
This past Spring, Mr. Chianese showed us his passion by performing for our “Healing Hearts” program, using music therapy program for veterans and then did the same for Wartburg’s nursing home residents. It was a wonderful day for everyone who participated!
“I had the pleasure of seeing Dominic in action while he sang to our residents,” said Angela Ciminello, Vice President of Development & Marketing at Wartburg. “I was delighted to see the joy in the faces of our residents as they danced and sang along with him. His dedication to using music as a way to engage the oldest members of our community is nothing short of amazing.”
About Wartburg
Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on its beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, its continuing care approach has earned Wartburg a trusted reputation in Westchester. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year in 2019. In addition, Wartburg received the 2016 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators and the 2015 Legacy Award from the Westchester County Chapter of the Links.
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