Chris Pinnella: The Magic of Christmas Music

What makes a concert stay with you long after the final song? Vocalist Chris Pinnella joins Rich Bennett to explore the stories, musical choices, and human connections behind a memorable live performance.  Known for his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and his Christmas by Candlelight concert productions, Chris traces his journey from playing the Artful Dodger in a school musical to earning his first paid singing opportunity at 16. He also shares memories of working alongside Julie Andrews, including lessons in interpreting lyrics and a Thanksgiving invitation he will never forget.  In this conversation, you’ll discover: • How Trans-Siberian Orchestra helped Chris find the confidence to lead his own musical projects. • Why his Christmas arrangements blend rock energy, jazz, and intimate orchestral moments. • How the STAR Centre in Havre de Grace became a meaningful part of his performing life. • Why familiar songs can connect grandparents, parents, and children in different ways. • What audience singalongs reveal about the lasting value of live music.  There is also a memorable parking lot mishap, a conversation about AI and creativity, and a random question that reveals Chris’s growing love of arranging music.  Explore Chris’s music and performances at ChrisPinnella.com (https://chrispinnella.com/) .  Enjoyed the conversation? Follow Conversations with Rich Bennett, share this episode with a music lover, and leave a review. What concert has stayed with you? Join the conversation and let Rich know. Send us Fan Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/849097/fan...) CHRIS PINNELLA: CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT - Star Centre (https://starcentremd.com/event/chris-...) Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/849097/sup...) Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts  (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...) Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett (  / conversationswithrichbennett  ) Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook (  / 636960420949799  ) Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett (  / convers94013273  ) Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett (  / conversationswithrichbennett  ) TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok (  / conversationsrichbennett  ) Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...) SquadCast (https://squadcast.fm/?ref=richardbenn...) Subscribe by Email (https://www.conversationswithrichbenn...)