Fernando Varela ripped through a majestic musical set that featured everything, from “Nessun Dorma” to “Uptown Funk” during the “Four Divo” concert Tuesday before a packed house at The Sharon.
Varela, who plays The Sharon through Friday, hopes to take his Villages’ fans on another special journey and make them part of a PBS Network television special. It’s called “Coming Home” and will be filmed Nov. 30 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando.
It will be broadcast around the globe early next year and could be another monumental turning point in the career of a singer who started in The Villages nearly two decades ago and now records and performs for audiences around the world.
“Originally, they wanted to film the concert for the PBS show in Canada,” Varela said. “But I wanted it here, close to home. I had to do it in Orlando (where he lives) and I want as many Villagers who can come, to be with me. I want them to bring all the enthusiasm and energy that creates an exciting atmosphere.
“We’re going to have busses to bring people from The Villages, because this place means a lot to me. This is where I started singing. This is where I met my wife (Susan).”
For information on the concert go to FernandoPBS.com
Varela appeared at The Sharon with singers Branden James, who was on “America’s Got Talent.”
Also appearing was opera star Craig Irvin, and Korean tenor Sungbong Choi. Villages’ favorite Clark Barrios appeared solo and with his group, Atlantic City Boys. Also making a guest appearance was singer Matt Dusk.
It was the first of Varela’s five “Divo” concerts at The Sharon including: Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 3 and 7 p.m.
Opening night featured Fernando and the cast joining forces on many numbers. One was a tender version of “My Heart Will Go On,” one of many songs performed in Spanish.
Varela, James and Irvin teamed up for a soaring and powerful “Nessun Dorma.” Fernando touched the hearts of the people in the seats as sang “You Raise Me Up.”
The stage set was a major part of the show. It featured at least half-a-dozen video screens, offering various light shows and technical wizardry. An eight-piece orchestra, under the direction of Charlie St.Cyr-Paul, provided an exquisite musical backdrop.
Clark Barrios seemed inspired all night-long. He and the Atlantic City Boys shook the rafters with a scorching Four Seasons’ medley that included: “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
Barrios is a longtime friend of Varela and the two Villages’ favorites teamed up for a couple of numbers. “It’s something we’ve been talking about a long time,” Barrios said. “It was so much fun to get out there on stage with Fernando, he’s amazing.”
Craig Irvin is a serious opera singer but he had some fun with the crowd during “Figaro” and the “Toreador Song” from “Carmen.”
During both numbers, Irvin jumped off the stage and out into the audience. He was running and dancing down the aisles, and had the people clapping and singing along with him.
Branden James teamed with James Clark on cello, for a fresh and creative take on the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” The duo, known as Branden & James, turned the song inside out with a classical sound and acoustic guitar.
Varela introduced Sungbong Choi, whom he met in Korea. Choi, 26, has a remarkable life story, including spending most of his youth as a homeless orphan.
He later won the “Korea’s Got Talent” contest and now the tenor is gaining worldwide acclaim.
Choi displayed a strong voice on a couple of his original recordings, including “I Pray.”
“This young man has an incredible story and truly is an inspiration,” Varela said.
Matt Dusk brought more variety to the production with a smooth and swinging sound. He opened with a lively take on Steve Allen’s “This Could Be the Start of Something Big.” Then he went into a Sinatra mode on a delightful “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
Dusk joined Varela for a jumping version of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” that included some jazzy scat singing.
All the singers came together for the finale on an inspirational and stirring “My Way.” As the song played, scenes of New York City were shown on the various video screens.
The crowd responded with a standing ovation and the singers left for a moment, but came back for an encore and things started really rocking. They all wore school lettermen jackets and urban outfits.
Varela, sporting oversized sneakers, started in on “Uptown Funk” and soon everyone was on stage jumping and jiving. Varela offered some ultra-funky dance moves and was shaking and baking with delight, along with most of the crowd.