CHRIS CRITELLI

CHRIS CRITELLI, born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, has had a diverse and accomplished music career beginning in the 7th grade at Our Lady of the Rosary elementary school, where his singing talent was recognized.

With parents who were both profoundly deaf, this discovery was a unique revelation for his family, and also very encouraging. As a teenager, Chris sang with local bands like The Syndicate, Beginnings, Zola, and Trax. His vocal talent caught the attention of a voice coach, who suggested he audition for the SUNY Buffalo Opera Department. His audition earned him a full scholarship, and he pursued both undergraduate and graduate studies in Fine Arts.

Soon after, he had a decade-long journey into the world of opera and classical music. A talented lyric tenor, Chris’s vocal range allowed him to excel in various classical performances. He graced stages at prestigious venues such as Artpark, Kleinhans Music Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Shea’s Buffalo, and Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

His career also included a season with the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto, and he apprenticed with the Des Moines Metro Opera, Central City Opera in Colorado, and spent a summer at The Chautauqua Institute.

Throughout his career, Chris had the opportunity to work with the renowned composer and lyrist Charles
Strouse, of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and ‘Annie’, as well as jazz legend Dave Brubeck. In addition to his classical career, Chris was a versatile soloist, performing for churches and faith communities, and providing music for countless weddings and funerals. His talents extended to local community theater, and he was notably remembered for his role as God in the NFHS production of ‘Children of Eden’.

After spending several years in Dallas, Texas, Chris and his family returned to Niagara Falls, where he embarked on a new chapter as an educator. He obtained his Master’s in Education from Niagara University and taught General Music and Chorus at Gaskill Preparatory School for over two decades.

During this time, he also offered private vocal lessons, initially at the Niagara School of Music and later from his home. Chris’s journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication, as he seamlessly transitioned from local bands to opera stages, and eventually to the classroom, where he shared his love of music with
countless students. His impact on the local community through performance and education continues to resonate. We are honored to welcome Chris Critelli into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.