Three years ago, the four Canadian Tenors burst onto the world stage, creating a sound that blends classical and pop music. This week they join conductor Steven Reineke and the National Symphony Orchestra Pops for four concerts of diverse repertoire delivered in the holiday spirit. The two classical tenors, Victor Micallef and Remigio Pereira, have sung with professional opera companies and in concert worldwide. The pop tenors, Clifton Murray and Fraser Walters, were trained in the theater.
“We deliberately brought together two classical musicians and two pop singers to keep a balance,” Micallef said. “In this way, we’re able to sing in many styles and stretch the spectrum. We all contribute to our arrangements and make certain that each voice is presented in the best light.”
| Onstage |
| The Canadian Tenors with the NSO Pops |
| Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall |
| When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday |
| Info: from $20; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org |
Each member has an extensive musical background, audience appeal and business know-how that has enabled them to take command of their career as owners of the Canadian Tenors company. They perform 300 shows annually, visiting large venues on five continents, appearing on television with such celebrities as Oprah and drawing huge crowds in Las Vegas and at Madison Square Garden.
“We’re four soloists who have come together in a harmonious and melodic way,” Murray said. “Audiences are often surprised to learn that tenor is only a range and there are many styles of singing within that range. We focus on the individual qualities and strengths of each singer. When one is featured in a song, the other voices move into the background.
“The Kennedy Center audiences will discover that we’re down to earth and like to add fun to the show. We mix up the repertoire with something for everyone. Because it’s a Christmas show, they can expect ‘O Holy Night,’ ‘Silent Night’ and ‘God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen’ along with many different flavors of secular numbers.”
“Wherever we perform, we want to leave the audience moved,” Micallef said. “We’re fortunate that our music has impacted people’s lives so much that they go home and tell family and friends about us. A lot of our success can be attributed to word of mouth. We strive to reach one person at a time, perhaps by meeting with them after a show, and to leave them a little happier.”
