The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay draws the best and most gifted singers including a group from the greater Brandon area. These local residents were among 60 singers from the Master Chorale who were honored to sing with Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli earlier this month at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.
The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay is the area’s premiere, all volunteer chorus. Earlier this month, 60 of the Master Chorale’s singers were honored to join Andrea Bocelli on stage, along with the Florida Orchestra, at Bocelli’s magnificent concert at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.
Before a crowd of more than 16,000, 60 tenured singers accompanied the renowned Italian tenor as he wowed the crowd.
The singers included FishHawk resident and long time member of the Master Chorale, Kerrie Hoening, who said, “It did not hit me until I was standing there on the stage. I thought- I am one of 60 people in all of the world tonight standing here on the same stage singing with Andrea Bocelli. It was truly an awesome experience.”
Brett Karlin, the assistant conductor for the Master Chorale and a graduate student at USF, said, “As a chorale nerd, it was surprising to be received by the audience like an athlete rather than a singer.”
The Master Chorale singers are a group of extraordinary individuals who devote a significant amount of time to singing with the chorus. Karlin said, “Most of them work full-time jobs. They then spend every Tuesday from 7:30-10 p.m. practicing. On concert -weeks, they have to attend two additional rehearsals.” Karlin added, “We have one singer who drives two hours to practice and sing with the Master Chorale.” Now that’s dedication.
Singing with Bocelli was truly an honor, but it also required hard work and dedication. The singers had to attend three separate and additional rehearsals. They then only had two hours on the day of the concert to prepare to sing very complicated music.
Bocelli’s performance in Tampa was just one of six shows scheduled in the U.S. in 2011. In addition to Bocelli, the Master Chorale sang with Tony (R) Award winner, Heather Headley and soprano, Anna Maria Martinez.
For more information on the Master Chorale and to get a complete list of their remaining performances for the 2011-2012 season, please visit www.masterchorale.com or call 974-7726.
