Francesco Sorianello

Francesco J Sorianello - 1 May 1929 (Chicago, Illinois) – 6 May 2013 (Woodland Hills, California) was a baritone singer and actor. Under the name of Francesco Sorianello (or Francesco J. Sorianello) he appeared in theatre and opera, under the name of Frank Sorrel he appeared in California’s Ramona Pageant, and under the name Frank Sorello he acted. Francesco was born on May 1, 1929 in Chicago IL to Italian immigrant parents, Frank and Mary Sorianello. In 1943, the family moved to Long Beach CA. Francesco graduated from Long Beach Poly High School where he was an outstanding Cross Country and Track athlete and was the 1945 California Cross Country State Champion. He then attended Long Beach City College and received his undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific. Francesco then entered graduate studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. His studies were interrupted by service in the Army from 1952-55 where he was a member of the US Army Field Band as a singer. He returned to Curtis and received his graduate degree in Voice in 1959. He then began his career as a professional singer and actor. In the course of his professional career in Opera and Musical Theatre, Francesco entertained around the world. He starred with a variety of performers such as Jose Ferrer, Debbie Reynolds and many others. In a career that spanned many roles, in the opera, theatre, television and film, Francesco was best known as Alessandro in southern California’s Ramona Pageant, a role he starred in for ten seasons between 1967 and 1981. In 2012 Francesco served as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Hemet Christmas Parade honoring the Ramona Pageant’s 90th season.