TONY RINO

Tony Rino loves to sing! He sings and MC's for many charitable and public events.

An opera singing "hobbyist," Tony began singing opera for fun in his 20's. His musical influences include the 3 Tenors, as well as his father Joe a tenor and church choir conductor, and his late grandfather Antonio a composer and band leader. Tony is a cantor at Our Lady of Grace Italian and English Church for the weekly 4:30PM Saturday mass.

He has sung with the Calgary Opera Chorus on stage and on Compact Disc. He has also made television appearances as the Singing Chef on the syndicated television program The Movie Show, as well as singing for many local radio and TV commercials.

He sang the National Anthems at Calgary Flames NHL home games for 8 seasons, as well as singing for The Calgary Stampeders, The Calgary Canons, The Calgary Outlaws, The Calgary Hitmen, Canadian Curling Championship and many other sporting events.

With a passion for singing powerful music, Tony recorded his debut CD entitled "Grazie" in 2001. Grazie is a collection of classical and religious tenor favourites. This CD (a 100% Charitable Project) has generated over $12,000.00 in charitable funds for many local charities including the Knights of Columbus, Project Rachel, Society of St Vincent de Paul, Inn from the Cold, the Annual Bishop's Appeal, The Mustard Seed, and purchasing jackets for the homeless.

In 2004, Tony produced “A Benefit Concert For Cancer” along with accompanist Leila Chiacchia, generating over $3,500.00 for The Canadian Cancer Society. The concert was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and promises to be an annual event.

Tony founded the website www.ConcertsForCharity.com in December 2003.