Stanhope native finds passion on stage

STANHOPE — Christa Orefice knew at an early age she loved music, but it wasn’t until she was 12 and saw “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, that she decided music and singing was to be her career. “I was so impressed by the quality and style of lead singer Sarah Brightman,” said Orefice. “My music is my own, but it’s a combination of classical, Broadway, Celtic, folk, and pop genres,” she said, but confessed the Broadway, theatrical style is her main influence. Although the parents of this 31-year-old lifelong Stanhope resident are not performers themselves, there was always music around the house, and they often took her to see shows and musicals in Manhattan. “We watched ‘Wizard of Oz,’ ‘My Fair Lady,’ and ‘West Side Story,’” she said. Musical/Broadway style was to become her favorite. Her two sisters, although musical, are not interested in performing. Orefice also plays the guitar, piano, and Native American Flute. She likes to compose her own songs and will perform two of them, “What is it about you?” and “Winters feel like spring” in an upcoming concert at the Montclair Art Museum on Aug. 23. “I got the musicians together, chose the repertoire, found the venue, but I also hired a publicist for the show,” she said. Performing with her will be Donya Lane on keyboard and background vocals; David Hilton on base guitar and cello; and Jason Clark on percussion and drums. Although her passion is performing, Orefice is currently studying for a master’s in music therapy at Montclair State University, where she previously earned bachelor of music in vocal performance. “I’m a realist, and after years of waitressing in Manhattan, going to auditions and trying to get parts, I realized I needed to get something more in the line what I love,” she said. Music therapy filled the requirement. She’s currently doing her internship at the Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan under the head of the music therapy department, Dr. Joanne Loewe. When Orefice graduates, she is planning to work with kids with autism, people with chronic pain, elderly with autism, or in special schools. “I’m trying to find a balance between performing and the therapeutic side of using music as a healing tool,” said Orefice. “But I’m a performer first.” The concert at the Montclair Art Museum will mark the third time she’s doing solos, although she’s performed in numerous musicals and concerts in both New York and New Jersey. If you go Who: Christa Orefice What: Summer Dreams Concert Where: Monclair Art Museum When: Aug. 23 Tickets: $18; or $20 at the door. Advance tickets at cristaoreficesummerdreams.eventbrite.com or call 973-479-7550.