Behind-the-scenes with
Teresa de Roberto Concert day Singing since her early teen years, Teresa de Roberto has found a receptive audience with her booming soprano voice and infectious personality. Some of the highlights in her career include performing on the BBC with Kiri te Kanawa, and at the London’s 02 Arena and the FA Cup as well as traveling around the world in places like Egypt and India. She graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts. Teresa is an engaging show woman whose interactive crossover concerts are sure to delight fans. To catch her in action, follow her schedule at teresaderoberto.com
What happens on my concert day? So the “concertâ€? day is a pretty big thing for independent artists. We’ve worked hard for many, many months trying to select the right venue, the right dress, and the right music, so our fans and new followers can have a special day! It’s our way of not only attracting new people but to thank our supporters and just have a very good time. I’m the type of person who gets involved with every aspect of my performances from choosing the venue to designing the flyers and going out busking to get the word out there. So, here’s a little sneak peek into what I get up to on this type of day‌..
Yep, that’s me walking through my hometown vil age in my Pajamas after waking up 5 minutes before! Hahaha! Don’t think anyone in the vil age expected that. If you know me, then you know I’m a little mad and am always doing something a tad strange. Well, I have to say this even surprised my parents hahaha! Due to my family being over from Italy there was no space in the house, so my friends and I were “kicked outâ€? to the nearest hotel. Unfortunately, they wanted to sleep and the lighting for make-up wasn’t great. So, I needed to get home, and this was the only way. đ&#x;˜‰ And they say showbiz is glamorous.
Today it’s taking me much longer to get ready! Near enough 4 hours! Haha! Why?? Because my family from Italy wil not stop talking to me or asking me how I do make-up!! Hello! I only have an hour to go before I need to leave for the venue!! Thank goodness that Mama D is on hand! I’m very close to my mum and I’m not going to lie she’s the one that keeps my head screwed on slightly and controls my craziness‌.sometimes đ&#x;˜Š Well here she is making sure my hair stays in one place today and keeping the rest of the family away haha! Getting ready for a concert is always one of my favorite moments. It’s so much fun to play with eyeshadow colors and different hair styles.
So, I’ve arrived at the venue to start setting up. Luckily, I have a lot of my friends and family helping me, so pretty sure we can get this ready by 2.30pm. It’s always so amazing to see a venue transformed into a great performance space. This is my favorite place here in Somerset. I have a thing for old barns that are now event spaces and this one really is top! It’s called the Haselbury Mil and as you can see, for my Christmas concert they did me proud. At this point, we start putting up the banners, the piano gets set up, tables get placed and I set up the PA system whilst giving some orders. I’m pretty laid back so let the others get on with it. Because I’ve used this venue before they know what I like đ&#x;˜Š Time’s ticking‌.eeek!
12:00 PM
30 minutes until doors open. It’s time to do a quick soundcheck to make sure everything is ok. We have to make sure the piano and voice are balanced so people get the best from us. Mission accomplished, time to disappear and try and make myself look all fancy đ&#x;˜Š I’m backstage making myself pretty, very quickly, whilst the venue is fil ing up nicely. This is the part where I’m supposed to stay there until my guest
choir finishes and then come on like “surprise�, but I always hate that. I always like to talk to everyone who comes to my shows, as I think it’s so special and I just want to show my thanks. So, I quickly sneak out for 10 minutes running (well trying to run in a ball gown) saying hello to everyone who’s come. This is where the adrenaline starts running. There’s no better feeling than seeing bums on seats and the buzz of the room fil ing up. This year we had 142 people there, which is the biggest I’ve had at one of my concerts yet! Wooo!! Up, up and anyway.
And…I’m starting! My concerts are always usually about 2 hours long with me always performing about 90minutes of music for my guests. My sets always include a real mix of music from famous Operatic Arias, songs from the shows and my own twist on rock and pop music. My favorites to date are the Italian version of ‘Everything I do, I do it for you’ and my version of Abba-‘The Winner Takes it All’. I always like to do something out of the box which surprises my guests. I work with a great pianist, Evelina De Lain, which is fab as it means I can now really think outside the box and do something ‘crazy’
7. 5.30pm
5:30 PM
It’s a wrap! That’s it‌.we’re finished! We’ve performed, even done an Encore and all the hard work and effort has been worth it! I always hate this moment, because even though I’m tired after a long day, I never want to come off stage. I could carry on and sing all night but I know people need to get home. Now I go and sign my merchandise, have a chat, maybe a cheeky drink and a laugh with everyone and pose for some photos. The part I hate about events hahaha! I really dislike having my photo taken, hence I’m usually pulling funny faces, but mum’s keeping a watchful eye to make sure I’m being serious and not ruining them đ&#x;˜‰
I’ve packed up the venue, chatted some more, talked business and now it’s time to relax. Having my family and friends around me is always important, so now I can let my hair down with lots of food and some prosecco. My mum knows I have a weakness for anything sweet, so I can’t believe my eyes when after lots of amazing Italian food, the table is full of desserts. (and yes, I tried a little of all of them). After the party finishes (quite late) I always take a few minutes to reflect on how unbelievably lucky I am. Not only do I have a great support system around me, who are a lot of fun and can put up with me, but I have amazing fans who travel up and down the UK and even abroad to see me. So, thank you!! Now as I talk to mum, she always says, “Well done babe, proud of you! When’s the next date then?â€? She knows me too well. My brain never stops working, even when it’s crying out for sleep đ&#x;˜Š
Many thanks to Dmitry Jemelins for taking the professional photos
Sebastien Izambard
We came here to love With special thanks to Joanna Burns
French singer-songwriter Sébastien Izambard has toured the world as part of the crossover phenomena ‘Il Divo’. The brainchild of music mogul Simon Cowell, Il Divo has sold 30 million albums since their first release in 2004 and maintains one of the most enthusiastic fan bases in the crossover community. Of course, Sébastien’s own journey began many years before. Known as an introvert as a youngster most people probably didn’t believe he would become a world-famous entertainer. Sébastien studied at the Lycee Janson de Sailly school and, with the proper support, blossomed. Though he tells us his first performance wasn’t exactly a success: “It was a funny experience, in France, there is one day in June, where we celebrate music. I was playing my guitar in the street, many years ago now and I was trying, to attract the attention of these beautiful ladies. The next thing I feel is a bucket of water thrown at me and [being] asked to shut up. I will never forget that day and still laugh about it.” Still, he took it in stride going home soaking wet but still laughing and not discouraged. The first concert he ever went to was David Bowie and he also was inspired by Led Zeppelin. He tells us though that the Beatles “were definitely my biggest
influence.” Sébastien was also to gain experience with theater roles such as ‘Le Petit Prince’. The experience was so positive that castmates formed ‘La Troupe.’ He says, “We loved being with each other so much we thought, why don’t we try to form a band that sings musicals?” Though the group was not to reach anywhere near the mania Il Divo has achieved it remains “a beautiful memory.” In 2000, Sébastien released his first popular album ‘Libre.’ Looking back eighteen years his style has definitely evolved. “I have changed from who I was back then and what I wanted to say. But also, from my musical influences. People might not know this about me, but I love basketball and R&B music. I get a lot of inspiration from that.” His involvement with Il Divo also brought about an evolution. His bandmates, Carlos Marin, Urs Buhler, and David Miller are all classically trained, with numerous performances in classical works and operas under the belt. Sébastien tells us at first singing with vibrato was “very strange” and “unsexy to him.” Still, he eventually found a way to blend the styles. “It seems to have worked for [the] most part, however, I will never pretend to be an opera singer. I have learned so much from the guys - when I look back on it.”
But there is much more to Sébastien as an artist than Il Divo. He says his new album “A chance for people to see all [the] different facets of who I am. People always see us wearing a suit but we are a lot more complex than this.” He describes it furthermore as “a record full of colors, from lightness to heaviness of life. From ups to downs!” and believes these songs have great crossover appeal. The title track ‘We Came Here to Love’ was written by the Mack Brothers from Australia. The first time he heard it Sébastien says, “It caught me, I wish I had written that song - so I asked if I could have it on my record.” It fits his vision of “love and hope” especially now, where people struggle to love and feel loved. In a time where there are bombs and terror and hatred. I wanted to share a moment of love, a moment of hope. We all came here from our mother through love ideally and this is what I wanted to remember with people, that we are all loved when we first come into this world.”
great covers are, new music material is “extremely important” and says, “I would love Il Divo to cover some of my songs!” Through his career, Sébastien has sung pop, musical theater, and classical crossover but he isn’t done exploring yet. “I would love to work with a band like The Weekend, or some R&B bands, DJ... I love expanding my work. I didn’t think it should be one thing. That’s why I love writing songs because there are no rules to how and why. It’s freedom!” In addition to his musical ambitions, Sébastien is involved with the charities ANTM (Assistance MedicaleToit Du Monde) and SCF (Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation). He says simply, “I just simply wanted to help others. I get a lot of reward being in Il Divo and I feel it is crucial to give back to others who don’t have our luxury of life and struggle with their day today.” Sanfilippo is a rare disease that remains relatively unknown. “I wanted to help them to get the word out and create an awareness. I could have never done that without my wife’s incredible help - who contacted every media [outlet] in Australia. It was an incredible experience which has been helpful to all these parents, who have a child with Sanfilippo syndrome.”
“ In a time where there are bombs and terror and hatred. I wanted to share a moment of love, a moment of hope.”
As a multi-talented musician, Sébastien plays piano and guitar and composers original material. “I find inspiration in life, inside and outside of me. I love psychology and therapy work. I find we have so much richness within us, that it’s like a volcano wanting to erupt and share.” He acknowledges that however
Recently, Il Divo provided fans a rare opportunity for engagement and live performances with a cruise experience. The gratitude is oblivious. “The fans are
everything in an artist’s career,” Sébastien says. “They make it possible for me to be an artist and I am more than thankful. I always make time for them, always make sure they know how much I care about them and I am grateful for their support. The cruise was the best way to get to know them, instead of five minutes in a meet and greet or from afar in a concert room. We got a chance to really spend time with them. It was incredible.”
The album ‘We came here to love’ is yet another way fans can better get to know the man behind the suits and discover his inspirational message. Of course, there is still new territory he would like to explore. “I would love to perform in Red Rocks and for the Super Bowl that would be my dream. Who knows, dreams are important right?”
To keep following visit sebastienizambard.com
*Image thanks to Asya Akhoundov of AA-Studio & Band Supplied
ViVA Trio Nothing Else Matters ViVA Trio's debut album, ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ is a strong entrance into the classical crossover genre. Featuring two originals and nine covers, ViVA Trio has produced an album that is both unique and compelling, while their beautiful voices and the lush orchestral arrangements are exemplary of the genre. ViVA Trio's inclusion of uncommon cover material is a remarkable feature of the album -- ranging from pop artist Sia (whose hit ‘Chandelier’ has proved popular with crossover artists, so it is a pleasure to hear her other work explored) to metal band Metallica, their vocal arrangements nonetheless give
cohesive style to an otherwise diverse song set. The more familiar songs are given a refreshing facelift. ‘What a Wonderful World’ is soft and plush, a far cry from the swinging schmaltz this song is often performed with, and ‘Hallelujah’ starts out delicately sparse and relaxed, giving the vocals and lyrics their deserved center stage. A special mention goes out to the ‘ViVA Children's Choir’ and their stellar contribution to John Lennon's ‘Imagine.’ Katya Tchobuar is a co-writer on the album's two original tracks, ‘Here to Stay’ and ‘Voices Are Calling,’ which
both seamlessly fit in with the cover material and lead to hopes for more original music from the trio in the future. It is always refreshing to see crossover artists involved in writing their own material. The majestic ‘Voices are Calling’ will especially appeal to fans of Celtic Woman. The songs are performed with the F.A.M.E.S. Macedonian Symphonic Orchestra with Maestro Oleg Kondratenko, and the quality of the orchestral accompaniment is on par with any big budget, major label production,
Classique Reminisce Classique, as recently featured in Classical Crossover Magazine, have produced a debut album that fits perfectly into the ‘Classic Hollywood’ niche. In fact, I find myself wishing the album was released on vinyl to add that final touch of ‘vintage’ to the listening experience. Luperci and Ashley's voices are a perfectly matched set. Both possess impeccable classical technique that would make Mario Lanza, Jeanette MacDonald, et all, proud, yet with a clarity and lightness of delivery that will appeal to the modern listener.
yet never bombastic or displacing the voices. Ultimately, ‘Nothing Else Matters’ is a sonic treat, meant for an immersive, perhaps even introspective, listening experience. Pour a cup of tea, sit with your open journal and pen in hand, and enjoy! Standout Tracks: Ordinary World Hallelujah Bird Set Free
The track listing of ‘Reminisce’ is a roster of mega-hits from days gone by. The duo's first released recording, ‘Be My Love,’ was a perfect taste of things to come. Hardly staid and stodgy, Classique deftly doffs their hat to the romantic, exotic origins of the classical crossover genre. ‘Jealousy’ jumps out at the listener in a blistering, fiery tango, and ‘Granada’ rolls off Luperci de Souza's tongue with a passion worthy of a suave, romantic Silver Screen leading man. Ashley Marie Slater's silvery soprano voice is no less notable; she somehow encapsulates the divas of old while sounding completely fresh and scintillating. The new orchestral arrangements for these songs deserve special mention. Reminisce beautifully toes the line between vintage styled arrangements, replete with lush strings and brass that would be at home in an MGM musical, and crisp production values that keep the overall effect on the right side of saccharine.
A stunning debut, featuring wellbeloved songs that are too rarely performed in this modern era, Reminisce is the perfect music for a romantic evening or a decadent day of luxury for one! Standout Tracks: You and the Night and the Music Stranger in Paradise With a Song in My Heart
Playlist Epic Classical Crossover Composers Take a journey into brave new worlds with this playlist of epic film/game score composers, specifically curated for the Classical Crossover audience.
Listen now on spotify!
https://tinyurl.com/EpicClassCross
Featured ANTTI MARTIKAINEN "I'm an independent composer, producer and entrepreneur from Finland. I compose and produce mostly epic soundtrack music mixed with ethnic, folk, medieval, electronic and metal elements in my home studio. My songs are usually very melodic, strongly harmonic, rhythmic and simple yet very diverse. I aim to compose strong motifs, memorable melodies, epic structures and to offer my listeners and clients unique experiences. My music is a perfect match with various types of video games, trailers, performances, commercials and movies...and just for casual listening."
BrunuhVille BrunuhVille is an independent composer from Portugal who creates a world of magic and fantasy between the fusion of Gothic, Orchestral, Celtic, Folk, Movie, Ethnic and World music. "I don’t live to be noticed, but to be remembered"
Two Steps from Hell Two Steps From Hell was formed back in 2006 when Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix joined forces to write original music for movie trailers. 11 years later, TSFH has been featured in hundreds of movie ads, including some of the biggest blockbusters of recent time, as well
as thousands of TV ads and programs. TSFH released their first public album, Invincible, in 2009, establishing epic music as a new and unique musical genre. There are now 11 public albums and millions of fans worldwide. Look for concerts in 2018.
Patryk Scelina Patryk Scelina was born in 1984 in a small town in Poland. He was interested in music, computers and film from his early age. He owes his first musical experiments to a toy keyboard and Atari computer. As a child, he paid attention mostly to film and pop music. Michael Jackson was his very first idol and the most important films for him were “Star Wars” and “Back to the future”.
PETER GUNDRY Peter Gundry is a young composer who lives down under in Australia. He is a multiinstrumentalist who has gained a strong and growing fan base on YouTube with over 240,000 subscribers. With over 300 original compositions performing many different genres and styles, he has managed to carve out a style of his own. Within his large collection of music popularity has favored his fantasy / emotional and dark compositions gaining over 50 million views.
Chantelle Constable
Songs of 1916
As a child, Chantelle was enamored with the spectacle of classic Hollywood musicals. Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland were the faces adorning her walls, rather than the pop stars of the 2000s. When she began studying classical music, Chantelle developed an even deeper appreciation for old music and turned her passion for the tunes of yesteryear into a hobby of unearthing rarely performed songs from the early 20th century. In 2016, she initiated a project to bring centenarian songs to life for a new generation with a series of recordings. The first 7-song collection, entitled: 'Songs of 1916' is available now, with ensuing collections for each year to follow.
All By Myself
Clara Helms
Clara Helms became Australia’s sweetheart after debuting her operatic style on Australia’s Got Talent. Her journey to the stage included extensive dance training from the age of 3. She then studied Speech, Drama, and Acting as well as piano. “It wasn’t until my mid-teens that I really ‘discovered’ singing and really fell in love with it after being accepted into two light Operas in Sydney just after high school.” The realization brought specialized training from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (with notable alumnus Hugh Jackman) and studied Italian, French, and German. “I also spent 3 months abroad studying at an Italian Language School in Florence and 3 weeks in Germany for a Vocal Masterclass during my time at university.” Still, when it came time for the big moment Clara didn’t have much performance experience under her belt. “I was straight out from 5 years of university. The competition is not a ‘hands-on’ program so I didn’t feel there was much guidance or advice and I was quite naïve and didn’t have any social media platforms at that time.” It all came so quickly that it was at times confusing as well as “a massive learning experience.” She advises other would-be contestants to “Know your worth and read the contracts carefully!” Clara also confirms that “‘Reality TV’ is not necessarily ‘real’ so it’s important you
have a foundation within yourself of who you are.” Of course, there would be a few things she would change if she were to do it all again but she calls the show, “An amazing platform for growth and learning about myself and a chance to share what I so dearly love, with the world.” She is equally positive to others saying, “Follow your Dreams and Never Give Up”. Clara released ‘My Love’ her debut album in 2017 - a collection of favorites such as Memory, My Heart Will Go on and Hallelujah. “The title says it all. My work is my passion and love and every day that I get to share that with an audience is the most rewarding and exhilarating blessing.” It’s also the songs about love that inspire her. “I am a huge romantic and this album is a really beautiful showcase of some wonderful classics.” Recently though Clara had a careerdefining moment when she flew to LA to record the single ‘All by Myself’ with the Cove Music team (including tenor/producer, Thomas Spencer). “LA was incredible. An amazing, surreal trip working with the best of the best musicians and technicians in this music genre … who also happen to be remarkably wonderful human beings who I absolutely loved getting to know!” The journey began two years prior when Clara and Thomas were first introduced through the Classical Crossover Singers Facebook Group. “We got chatting
about music and sharing a mutual love and passion for crossover repertoire and singing and ended up becoming great friends.” The trip was still very much a leap of faith. Due to last minute availability, Thomas invited Clara to record the single while he was producing another artist in LA. She says, “The planets aligned.” Her supporters were instrumental. “With some amazingly generous sponsorship assistance from Alex at Arktika Vodka / Edgemill Group, Roy Spagnolo Associates and the Casella Family, I was able to jump on a flight and continue to pursue my dreams. Very grateful! It was humbling to have the financial backing and support to grab the bull by the horns, fly to Los Angeles, my first trip to the city of angels, and challenge myself to be daring and adventurous and I returned from one of the most phenomenal, challenging, inspiring and empowering trips of my life.” ‘All by Myself’ formerly a hit for popular music legend Celine Dion was chosen by producer Spencer. “He felt the song truly captured my experiences. It’s so powerful because so many people can relate! There are so many beautiful souls out in the world who feel alone, lonely, overlooked and desperate to find their voice and be heard. We all just want to be loved and appreciated so I truly hope audiences hear this song and find inspiration.” The Australia’s Got Talent experience despite its many rewards had left her at times feeling, “lost, frustrated and
overlooked. Coming out of the show there were some opportunities that came from it and some doors did start to open, but there was also a catch, or a price to pay, which wasn't something I felt totally comfortable with. Yet I was determined to never give up on my passion and my dreams because this is my love. I got to LA and threw myself into the deep end within 5 minutes of recording vocals I broke down, crying over peppermint tea because it was so real and raw for me… I was very lucky to be surrounded by the strongest support and guidance, respect, reassurance, love, and patience of an amazing world-class team and it was inspiring!” The experience also helped Clara find her voice. “I am always passionately hungry to pursue my dreams but this trip reignited an even more powerful fire within me.” She found herself working with people who had previously worked with Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli and Barbra Streisand. Even more special she was able to spend time Paul Farberman a member of Celine’s management team for 17 years and whom she says “shared many incredible stories of the magnificent Celine.” She is hopeful that others will realize, “It’s never too late and to never give up on their passion and dreams and pursue what they love. Many people have said that I ‘made this song my own’ and a friend wrote that ‘You have established yourself as not just the ‘next Celine Dion’ but the world’s first Clara Helms’
which I thought was poignantly beautiful and very flattering!” The song also stretched Clara’s musical direction. Always working on something new she tells us, “Thomas and I are super excited about brainstorming some wonderful ideas at the moment and definitely in line with the style and feel of ‘All by Myself’ and massaging the edges of Classical Pop Crossover music.” Not surprisingly one of the causes closest to Clara’s heart is a foundation she founded called ‘Belief Beyond Bullies’ which raises awareness and “Self-empowerment for our youth.” In addition, “I have also done a lot of
charity work, specifically fundraising financial relief with local Rotary Clubs for natural disaster and fire catastrophes where my inaugural sponsor, Rod Slater and I, organized concert performances, soirees and auctions to raise money for rebuilding homes in the Queensland Floods and Roleystone Bushfire tragedies.” She has been an ambassador to charity events like the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, “to help raise funds for life support equipment for premature babies and children in need.” Her love for animals also sees her in the role of ‘Foster Mum’ for the Cat Protection Society.
The New Single is Available now from iTunes.
Photos copyright 2015 Clara Helms.
Vox Fortura
Make a Soulful noise With Chantelle constable
Fresh from their win of ‘Song of the Year’ in the Black British Entertainment awards, Vox Fortura shares their story with us. With two members from the USA and two from England, the group's formation took place in the UK through musical theatre connections and mutual friends. Elias: The classical and musical theater world is very small so all of us knew of each other either directly or through mutual friends. I was in the U.K. doing Motown the Musical and Brandon was someone I knew from New York. Thomas: We all knew about each other through other friends, so to have that network was really great. Elias already knew Khaya and Brandon, and I knew Elias from when he was in Motown The Musical in London’s West End, I was in Jersey Boys, also in the West End at the time!" The four gentlemen have an impressive array of musical theatre credits to their name. Some of their favorite roles include Berry Gordy in Motown the Musical (Elias Hendricks III, tenor), Scar in the Festival of the Lion King at Hong Kong Disneyland (Khaya Maseko, high tenor), Crown in Porgy and Bess (Brandon Coleman, bass), and TJ in Sister Act, starring opposite Whoopi Goldberg (Thomas Goodridge, baritone). Tommy also has a solid repertoire of straight dramatic acting, including plays such as War Horse, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, The Man Of Mode, and roles in film and TV.
Vox Fortura formed a mere two months before making their debut on Britain's Got Talent. Elias: We were really just focused on our sound and excited to start our new venture together. The first rehearsal went so well, we knew we were on to something special. When we heard about the BGT auditions, we knew that we had to at least try. Lucky for us, we ended up doing quite well. The group made it to the semi-finals in the 2016 season of the popular talent show, and are now gearing up for their debut album and tour of America, starting in Arizona, in 2018. Elias: Touring is HARD! Especially when you are a young group like we are. We definitely make the most of it, and always take time to enjoy where we are. We are all good friends and always love to joke and goof off so that makes it so much better. Plus, we all believe in what we are creating here, so we are willing to put in the necessary work to realize our dreams. In addition to their excitement to tour American, other dream tour locations are Africa, China, and the Caribbean Islands. Though all members trained classically, they cite a range of influences from Franco Corelli to Michael Jackson, not to mention Usher, Luther Vandross, Boyz 2 Men, and 3 Mo' Tenors. With the flexibility of true professionals, they swap around vocal parts in a song when called for, with Khaya
occasionally singing bass and Tommy singing tenor. Bringing a soulful sound to classical crossover is what Vox Fortura is all about. Elias: We pride ourselves on being the first black male classical crossover group and the first ones to combine Soul and Opera. We all love both genres so why not be the ones to do both? The album recording will take place in the birth of the Civil Rights movement, Birmingham, AL (also Elias' hometown). They have already lined up the studio, conductor, and musicians to work on the project, including BAFTA award-winning arranger Christian Phillips, who was behind the group's Song of the Year ‘Heroes.’ It will feature a mix of soul, Motown, and classical crossover. Elias: We have mashed up Mozart and James Brown, we have added Jazz harmonies to Puccini, we have even combined Ol Man River, Sam Cooke’s a Change is Gonna Come, and Somewhere from West Side Story. We firmly believe that good music is good music. Genius is genius. We want to show that no matter what genre music is truly universal. I want every soul lover to listen to us and go see the Mozart requiem or conversely every opera buff to be inspired to turn on the radio and hear the intricacies of the music being produced today. The group is also currently working on original material, written by themselves and collaborators.
Dream duets for the group include Bruno Mars (Khaya), Josh Groban (Tommy), Celine Dion (Brandon), and John Legend (Elias). For a pre-show warm-up, the guys will play today's top hits and sing along operatically to artists like Bruno Mars, Beyonce, and Drake in a classical style, and they say it's genius and hilarious how it works out sometimes! While performing on cruise ships, they all like to unwind in the spa. Their non-musical hobbies include fitness, sports, car restoration, and spending time with their families. As performers who all got their start at a young age, the men of Vox Fortura devote their artistry to introducing young people to classical music. Thomas: We think it’s incredibly important to introduce classical music to young performers because it’s such an elegant style of music. We want to bring it back into the mainstream and make it accessible and cool!" They run workshops encouraging young people to explore classical music and also giving them the chance to ask questions about the music business. As such a unique group, Vox Fortura has very clear thoughts on the importance of bringing a unique vision to their art. Elias: Being unique is the only way to truly succeed because it really boils down to being yourself. If you're true to yourself, you will always be unique because there is only one you!
Thomas: It’s important to be authentic and honest because when you’re on stage performing, you’re telling a story. Your own story. You’re giving people a glimpse into who you are as a performer, so when you’ve left the theatre after watching our shows, you know EXACTLY who we are as individuals! Not a lot of people understand what ‘Classical Crossover’ actually is, so to be able to show them
what it is, and the way in which we do it is a total blessing! On some of the best advice they have ever received: Elias: Be original and never settle! Thomas: ALWAYS be yourself. ALWAYS be nice. Everyone loves a nice guy, and we all pride ourselves on being just that!
Classical Crossover Magazine wishes Vox Fortura the best and looks forward to following along with their exciting adventures! voxfortura.com
Jennie Watters
Stardust on his shoulders "Mr. Como," the elevator boy stammered nervously, "Mr. Como, my mother, and dad think I can sing. I'm taking singing lessons. And we can't afford it. I'd love it if I could sing to you, and you could tell me whether the lessons are worth it or not." "Sure kid," Perry Como replied, "Sure, let me hear you sing." "You mean here in the elevator?" "Yeah, in the elevator. Why not?" The teenager stopped the elevator between floors and sang the first line of one of Perry Como's greatest hits. "Why are you stopping?" the star asked. "Well, I don't know. I don't want to bother you too much." "No, sing it. Go ahead and sing it." The elevator boy sang another line and stopped again. "Will you please finish the song!" Perry insisted. So, the teenage boy began again and sang "There Must Be A Way" all the way through. "Oh no,
kid," the singing star said once he was done, "you gotta sing, you've got something. You got a beautiful voice. You keep right at it. Don't you give up." Vito Farinola had been singing since age three when he learned a little Italian ditty to cheer his mother up when she was in the hospital. After that she insisted that he practice every day, even interrupting his neighborhood baseball games to make him practice his scales. "Vito! Time to vocalize!" she would yell and everyone knew it was useless to argue. There were times he enjoyed singing, like in the evening when the family gathered together, Ma at the piano, his father strumming the guitar and his sisters joining in. The Farinolas were not well off financially but there was a lot of love to go around. Vito began contributing to the family income as soon as he could. He was fourteen when he applied to the Paramount Theater. "You had to be sixteen to usher at the Paramount...so I lied about my
age. And I got the job!" Singing for Perry Como took guts he didn't know he had, but it helped that Como was always so kind and approachable. When he turned seventeen, Vito auditioned to sing on the radio during rain delays for the Brooklyn Dodgers. They liked him but said, "You know, the name Vito Farinola just isn't going to work. You'll have to change it." "I was a pugnacious little street kid, and anyway, it was my name we were changing, so I said, 'I'll tell you what the new name will be...Vito...Vito...how about Vic?' 'Yeah, I like it,' he said. 'No,' I said, 'I like it. About the second name, something American like...Drake? Vic Drake?' 'No, I don't like it.' 'Good. Neither do I. My mom's maiden name was Damone. How about Damone? Vic Damone?' 'Terrific! I like it!' 'Me too,' I said, 'My father won't be happy, but my mom with love it.'" Soon after his name change, Vic got an unexpected call from a big name in the business. This time it was his idol, Frank Sinatra. All through High School, Vic had tried his best to imitate Frank's distinctive singing style. He had incorporated a lot of Sinatra's songs into his repertoire. That day, Frank heard him on the radio and wanted to congratulate this newcomer on his impressive set of pipes. The only problem was Vic
couldn't believe it was Sinatra personally calling him so when the voice on the line said "This is Frank Sinatra," Vic figured one of his buddies was pranking him. "And I'm the Pope!" he snapped and hung up! Frank tried calling a second time, "Listen, I want to talk to Vic Damone. This is Frank Sinatra and-" "Yeah, and I'm still the pope," Vic shouted, hanging up for the second time. When Vic met Sinatra eight months later at the Madison Square Garden, Sinatra tried to tell him off. It dawned on Vic that he had hung up on the real Frank Sinatra. He scrambled to apologize, explaining that it had been a misunderstanding. Sinatra forgave him right away and even insisted on introducing him. "Folks, I'm going to bring a kid out here. And this kid can sing. He's got a hit record and he's doing great. This kid has stardust on his shoulders. Vic Damone!" Hollywood soon became interested in grooming Vic for movie stardom. His first leading role was in an MGM picture starring Jane Powell called "Rich, Young, and Pretty." It was profitable but received a lukewarm reception. The New York Times called the film "pretty as a picture postcard and just about as exciting." The movie may not have been exciting but his newfound movie star status sure was! He went on dates with some of the most glamorous young women in the business, including Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner. Between dates, filming and live
concerts, Vic had to fulfill his commitment to the National Guard. The Korean War was raging and in 1951, he was drafted into the army. His agent booked him in as many events as possible before his departure, and he recorded songs that would be released during his time in the service. After basic training, he was transferred to special forces, so part of his service was spent entertaining the troops. In Berlin, at a USO performance, he ran into an Italian actress he recognized from his days at MGM. Her name was Pier Angeli. He resolved to get to know her better as soon as his two years in the army were up. 1954 was the year of his next Technicolor musical "Athena," which also featured Jane Powell but had newcomer Debbie Reynolds as his love interest. Debbie lit up the screen, and was "spontaneous, vivacious and free-spirited!" Being in the movies with was fun, although in his memoir, "Singing Was the Easy Part," Vic admits that he was definitely not a natural born actor. The movies were just another avenue for his singing, and on-screen Damone was not a dynamic presence. Besides that, the plot of "Athena" is downright weird,
it flopped at the box office. His next big movie, "Hit the Deck," was a bit better. Vic Damone stars as one of three singing sailors on leave in San Francisco. By that time, this was a tired Hollywood trope (used to better advantage in bigger budget musicals "On the Town" and "Anchors Aweigh.") In his later years, Vic himself had trouble recollecting "which sailor was stuck on which girl," but remembered that he was "head over heels with Janie Powell...but I really began to fall head over heels for another MGM actress, the beautiful [Pier Angeli]." In Vic's mind, Angeli was the perfect woman, both fun to be around and sweet natured. The two lovebirds had a lavish Hollywood style wedding. After their Honeymoon he was right back to work, cast in a new movie. The Broadway hit "Kismet" was being adapted for the screen, directed by the esteemed Vincent Minelli, and also starring Ann Blyth and Howard Keel. Usually known for his painstaking attention to detail, Minelli viewed this project negatively and rushed through the filming process. Worse, whenever something would go wrong on set, even
if it had nothing to do with Vic he was the scapegoat. The verbal abuse was so bad that after "Kismet" wrapped, Vic did not appear in the movies for a while. Reviewers complained that this movie lacked the drama, romance, and tension of the stage play. Still, they couldn't help but gush when it came to the "luscious and silvery tunes" - originally composed by Alexander Borodin some of the most beautiful music ever written. The movie is still worthwhile viewing even if just for that aspect alone. Nine months after his wedding, little Perry Damone was born (named of course after Perry Como.) Pier and Vic were delighted to have a son, and aside from some mother-in-law trouble, everything was going well. He sang the title song for the hit movie "Affair to Remember," which in turn became a hit record. Damone was gaining an international following and when Perry was three, he left for a European tour. When he came home, he was shocked to discover Pier wanted a divorce. Vic started to wonder if she had been seeing someone else. She hadn't given a reason for ending their marriage,
there hadn't even been much conflict between them. He hired a private investigator to see if she had been seeing someone else. Sadly, his instincts were correct. His wife had been cheating on him with a mutual friend of theirs. At first, Vic was so furious he wanted to shoot the guy, but his pal Frank Sinatra talked some sense into him. Once the rage was gone, loneliness set in. Even though she had been unfaithful, part of him wanted more than anything to reconcile. One day, Vic was on a flight with one of his musicians, a drummer named Sidney Bulkin. Sid had an alcohol problem, but today he ordered a Coke. In a complete role reversal, Vic, who ordinarily didn't drink at all, ordered scotch on the rocks twice. This became a conversation starter. Vic talked about his pain and Sidney revealing he had found new peace in the Baha'i faith. "Talk to God Vic," Sid said, "Tell Him what you're thinking, how you're feeling." Vic had been raised Italian Catholic, but he felt alienated by the church when he realized they would no longer serve him communion now that he was divorced.
A priest had offered to annul his marriage for a hefty price, which would have enabled him to partake of communion. He had declined because it didn't seem right to have to buy acceptance. The Baha'i church was a welcome alternative, and he learned to pour his heart out to God in a way he had never felt free to before. When he married a second time in 1963, it was in a Baha'i ceremony. His wife's name was Judy Rawlins. She had been an actress but also worked as an animator for Walt Disney. They wanted to have children and eventually were blessed with three girls. Although each new child brought them joy, the pregnancies were very hard on Judy because of her scoliosis (curvature of the spine.) She started to rely more and more heavily on pain medications. Vic worried about her health, he knew she was taking more pills than she ought to but he didn't know what to do. He was busy making frequent TV appearances on variety shows and sitcoms. Vic dreamed of starting his own entertainment company so that he could produce his own TV shows and records. This way, he and his friends could exercise more creative control and wouldn't have to rely on studios that overworked and exploited them. For this to work, he needed financial backing. In 1971 he took out a $250,000 loan. He had a business partner that he had met through a friend. Two weeks after the loan went through, Vic got a call from the bank president telling him "There is no money in your account." His heart
sank as he explained he had not authorized for his business partner to withdraw any money, and it sank, even more, when he called the man's number and heard "this number is no longer in service." His partner had moved - fled to Lebanon with his entire family. Vic would have to declare bankruptcy. He wondered how he would tell his wife. He did not expect her to take it well, but he wasn't prepared for what she ended up saying. "If that's true, we can't be married. I need a divorce. I can't be married to a bankrupt." Trying to recuperate some of his losses and support his children, Vic began to perform more often in Las Vegas. He couldn't stand all the secondhand smoke he inhaled every time they took a breath in those nightclubs. In an effort to keep his lungs healthy, he developed a passion for golf, he believes golf may have saved his life. His other saving grace was his friends Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. They had his back and he had theirs. When he had the flu, Sammy Davis stood in for him. "Sammy could sing, dance, mimic, do comedy...he could do it all. I told him once, "Sammy, I see you onstage, I just cannot believe all the things you do.' He said, 'I do about ten different things. But you know what? I'd give eight of them back if I could sing like you...but I'd keep two.' I don't think anyone ever gave me a bigger compliment. I wondered which two he'd keep." March 28th, 1974, his youngest daughter Daniella (age six) found Judy dead in
her bedroom. It was a devastating loss. Though listed as probable suicide, Vic found it more likely that she had accidentally overdosed on pain pills. Now as the sole surviving parent, how was he supposed to work and raise three young daughters by himself? He was on the road half the time and still recovering from his financial crisis. His piano player's wife had been friends with Judy, and she offered to have the girls live with her. Vic was incredibly relieved, he visited as often as he could. This continued for two and a half years. In the meantime, he Vic with his daughters remarried this time a young woman named Becky. They got an apartment in Los Angeles and the girls moved back in with their dad. He finally felt like he was able to provide a stable family environment for his children. He still traveled for work of course, and after a trip to London, Becky met him at the airport. It was after they exchanged a hug and a kiss that he learned she wanted a divorce. "In retrospect," Vic mused, "I don't know what to say about all these Hollywood marriages. I wasn't the Hollywood type who would go from one
marriage to another to another as soon as someone more beautiful came along. I had been in love with [Pier]...I had a deep affection for Judy, too, and strong feelings for Becky. Judy and I had been married eleven years, Becky and I, ten. These hadn't been thoughtless, temporary affairs. I loved women. I didn't like being by myself. Singing was as unsettled a life as you can get, always out at night, always on the road. I wanted the affection and stability of a good marriage. But things just hadn't worked out that way." His fourth marriage was to another performer, a fantastic vocalist by the name of Diahann Carroll. It seemed like a match made in heaven, especially since they made for such an exciting pair onstage. Their relationship was "turbulent" according to Dihann; it lasted almost a decade. In 1996, Vic was asked to sing for a charity gala, which was being organized by a philanthropist named Rena Rowan. She was raising money for the homeless in Philadelphia. When he met Rena in person she was with her partner Sidney Kimmel, who he assumed was her
husband. He asked how long they had been together and Sidney said "almost thirty years." Rena piped up, "We're not married. July 13th we'll have been together for thirty years. If we're not married by then, I told Sidney I'm out of here." It turns out the two of them had been in business together for twenty-five of those years and had built quite a successful clothing company. Rena specialized in taking high fashion European designs and adapting them into clothes working women could wear. The company had transformed the way American women dressed and she had acquired some wealth. But her real passion was giving to others. For all her current elegance, Rena had lived a very tough Vic with his wife Rena life. As a child, she had to endure a month-long trip in a boxcar from Poland to Siberia, where the Russians left her and her mother and sister to die during World War II. She knew what it was like to be homeless, to have nothing. She was forever grateful for people who took them in and saved their lives, so she dedicated her life to doing the same for others. This time, Vic knew that the love he felt for the woman in his life was based on far more than surface attraction or common interests. He was drawn to her because of her character. He wanted to take care of her the way she deserved, the way she was always caring for others. They were both
seventy when they married and both felt that for the first time, they had found a love that would never leave them. He was by her bedside when she passed away in 2016, after eighteen happy years together. Vic officially retired after suffering a stroke in 2001, but in 2011, he sang at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to a sold-out crowd. Damone admitted that this final performance was for his grandchildren. "My six grandkids have never seen me on stage. Before I die, I want them to have heard me perform at least once." A fitting end to a career that spanned over five decades and included more than 2,000 songs. When Vic breathed his last on February 11th, 2018 at the age of 89, he was surrounded by his friends and family. A week later the funeral was held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Both his service and the bereavement meal at Vic’s favorite restaurant were overflowing with people who wanted to say goodbye. The Palm Beach Daily Mail wrote: “What a guy even in death he plays to a packed house.” He still has stardust on his shoulders.