WASHINGTON (AP) — Renowned opera tenor Christopher Macchio has been selected to perform the national anthem at President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. However, due to an unforeseen change in plans, the ceremony has been relocated indoors, resulting in a significantly smaller audience than anticipated.
Originally expected to entertain a crowd of over 250,000 spectators across the Capitol grounds, Macchio now finds himself preparing to sing in the more intimate setting of the Capitol Rotunda, which can only accommodate 600 attendees. The last-minute venue change was prompted by the forecast of frigid temperatures, making this Inauguration Day the coldest in four decades.
Expressing disappointment at the diminished turnout, Macchio, 46, shared his thoughts in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday. “I was looking forward to seeing 100,000 people spread across the National Mall,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, I won’t be getting that visual while I perform, but it’s still going to be such a tremendous honor.”
Despite the unexpected circumstances, Macchio remains optimistic, highlighting potential benefits for his performance. “From a musical and vocal perspective, it’s actually a good thing,” he noted, emphasizing that extreme weather conditions can be detrimental to vocalists’ health and comfort.
Macchio’s connection to Trump dates back nearly a decade when he stepped in last-minute to perform at a New Year’s Eve event, impressing Trump to the extent that he was subsequently invited to sing at Trump’s 70th birthday celebration. The tenor’s association with Trump continued as he performed at various events, including the White House memorial service for Trump’s brother Robert in 2020.
Having appeared at the Republican National Convention, Trump’s rallies, and other significant events, Macchio’s selection as the national anthem singer for the inauguration came as a culmination of his longstanding relationship with the President. Trump’s assurance that “I’ll be seeing you at the inauguration” after a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, hinted at the forthcoming opportunity for Macchio.
Acknowledging the potential controversy surrounding his support for Trump, Macchio hopes that his musical performance will transcend political differences. “For those folks who might not have voted for President Trump, I hope that they’ll give me that kind of opportunity to just listen and just really connect with the music,” he expressed. “I’ll be doing the national anthem, and it is meant to do honor to our great country.”
Looking beyond his inauguration performance, Macchio aims to promote classical music education and is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the administration in this regard. In preparation for the ceremony, he planned to meet with fellow performers Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood over the weekend for rehearsals in the Capitol Rotunda.
Maintaining a traditional approach to his rendition, Macchio emphasized his commitment to delivering a straightforward performance with a touch of personal flair in the high notes. As he eagerly anticipates the inauguration, Macchio remains focused on honoring the significance of the moment through his musical tribute
