University gives students the opportunity to shine on the international stage

When The Legends took the stage at Radio City Music Hall, it was a realization of Nina Pezzello’s childhood dream.

Pezzello '24, a journalism major, can still remember the first time she attended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the heart of New York City. Wide-eyed, she looked up at her mom and told her that she would one day perform in front of a sold-out audience on that stage. On December 30, she and the 17-member Quinnipiac Legends A Cappella group did just that — opened for the Christmas Spectacular!

“It automatically made the group closer , and it is something we will always look back on fondly,” said Pezzello “I wouldn't have wanted to have that experience with anyone else. It was incredible.”

Ever since Pezzello was a toddler all she wanted to do was perform, her mother, Deb Pezzello, explained.

Being cast in her first play at just 6, she was attracted to the rich arts opportunities at Quinnipiac.

“I knew I wanted to audition for The Legends and was already preparing before moving in,” said Pezzello.

Her lifelong dedication to performing can be seen throughout her career, Pezzello’s mother added.

“Every Saturday I would bring her to Hartford by 9 a.m., and we would stay sometimes 12 hours,” her mother said. "This passion is something which still burns in her today and comes through in her role as president of The Legends."

This semester, she plans to defend the group's first-place finish at the prestigious ICCA Northeast Quarterfinals.

“The Legends A capella is an extremely talented group made up of Quinnipiac students who love to sing and love each other. We are a family, and I am honored to be president for The Legends. We have a lot coming in the future and I can't wait to see the group soar, she said.

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