If you were to only pay attention to the ceaseless advertisements that seem to start sometime before Halloween, you might mistake the Christmas season for an extended shopping spree. But there is indeed a reason for the season and while it may sometimes get lost in the fray, the Altino brothers are set to remind New Yorkers of that reason in a grand performance at Riverside Church on December 3.
Brothers Nerva and Robenson Altino are both piano virtuosos who perform simultaneously. Born in Haiti and raised in Jamaica, Queens, the brothers have worked hard to raise themselves up to the heights of the classical world. But for these two men, the piano is not simply a vehicle for personal aggrandizement but a tool for praise.
In their upcoming concert simply titled “A Gift of Joy,” the brothers will perform traditional holiday favorites like “Amazing Grace” as well as original compositions. They will be joined by a combined voice orchestra of over 150 members made up of the Lenox Road Baptist Choir and the Alexandria First Presbyterian Church Choir. If that weren’t enough to get you into the holiday season, there will be special guest appearances by the acappella group T.R.A.C.E.S. and mezzo soprano J’Nai Bridges.
The Altino Brothers’ distinct style bridges multiple genres and their unique dual piano performances fill the hall with a lush and dynamic sound. Their incorporation of choral elements gives the audience member a unique experience.
From now until Christmas you will no doubt be surrounded by easy listening versions of the holiday classics, so why not give your ears a break and check out the real deal?
“A Gift of Joy” will be performed at Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive in Manhattan at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For tickets and more information please call (908) 996-6033 or visit http://www.thealtinobrothers.com