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Singer heads to PNC Park

Knoch grad will perform anthem

It will be a win-win-win situation at PNC Park June 26.

Those in attendance will see the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Atlanta Braves during a Free Shirt Friday promotion.

They will also hear internationally famous opera singer and Knoch High School graduate Marianne Cornetti sing the national anthem before the game.

And by taking advantage of a special ticket package offered by the Pirates, part of the price of admission will go to benefit the Neurofibromatosis Foundation.

It’s an important cause for Cornetti, whose 13-year-old niece, Marykate, was diagnosed with the disease.

Neurofibromatosis is an inherited condition that carries a high risk of tumor formation, particularly in the brain.

The Pirates will give a portion of the ticket price to the foundation for seats purchased in the lower outfield box, Pirates deck and grandstand.

A Cabot native, Cornetti has performed at opera houses in New York City, London, Rome, Berlin, Florence and Barcelona.

She also takes time to come back to Butler County, coaching students at Slippery Rock University and performing with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra.

She is recognized as one of the leading Verdi mezzo-sopranos in the world.

Cornetti cites her upbringing, particularly in South Butler School District, for helping cement her success over the years.

“I credit this area for a lot that’s been given to me,” she said during a visit to Knoch High School in 2014.

Angela Criscella, an account executive for the Pirates, said people interested in getting tickets should download a form from Cornetti’s Facebook page or call Criscella at 412-325-4798 to have a form sent to them.

Criscella said the deadline to order is May 18. After that, seat prices are subject to change.

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