Currently based in New York City but raised in Walnut Creek, operatic tenor Alex Frankel joins the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra at 2:00 pm on March 23 at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch to perform and celebrate some of the world's most beloved Italian music.

Praised by the New York Times for his "affable enthusiasm" and "crystalline diction", Frankel made his Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Lyric Opera Theatre in 2011, and since then, has enjoyed a busy career performing around the world.

From Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Verdi's Rigoletto to Rossini's Barber of Seville, the program, "Italian Nights" presents themes of passion and jealousy, love and betrayal, as well as the unique love between a parent and child.

Frankel, who will sing five arias, says "For me, opera is the highest form of art. It combines visual arts, music, and theatre. Opera is the best storyteller".

Adults: $20, Seniors (62 & over): $15, Youth (17 & under): $7

Presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra