Next stop the Vatican.
Maestro Bill Doherty led the Central Florida Lyric Opera opening season gala that featured a host of stellar performances Thursday in the Savannah Center.
The company also released its upcoming schedule (see below), which includes two popular musicals: “Camelot” and “Fiddler On The Roof.”
The gala featured performances by Angela Jonas, Sam Reynolds, Ray Lee, Sarah Johnson, Chase De Carlo, Sway Chen, and Jerod Eggleston. They displayed versatility and dynamic vocal range.
On Nov. 20, Doherty will take about 110 members of the Saint Timothy Catholic Church choir, along with singers from the opera company to the Vatican for a Papal Mass with Pope Francis.
It will be telecast worldwide, Nov. 20 at 3 a.m. on the EWTN Catholic cable-network.
“For me, it’s a dream beyond a dream,” Doherty said Thursday. “I’m so excited to be with the Holy Father with my beloved choir and our opera singers.”
He added that members of Central Florida Lyric Opera often perform at the St. Tim’s with the choir.
“It has always been a special relationship,” Doherty said. “They kind of meld together and having them all at a Papal Mass is a great honor.”
Sam Reynolds belongs to the opera group and also the church choir.
“This is Bill’s dream but it’s also our dream and Bill really made it come true,” said Reynolds who has worked with Doherty for over two decades. “Bill is gifted musician and human dynamo who makes things happen.”
Like Doherty, Reynolds is thrilled to sing before the Pope.
“I’m especially humbled,” he said. “Pope Francis has done so much good for all people. I really admire him.”
Judging by the performances Thursday, the opera company is more than ready for its new season.
It featured a remarkable mix of young singers and veterans who teamed seamlessly under the direction of Doherty.
Reynolds was filled with bold, vengeful energy on “La Vendetta” from “Le Nozze di Figaro.”
Angela Jonas, a soprano, teamed with Sway Chen, a mezzo soprano, to open the program with “Barcarolle” from “Tales of Hoffman.” They combined with elegant harmony. Then, Jonas added dramatic luster to “Dove sono” from “Le Nozze di Figaro.”
Tenor Ray Lee offered a powerful number from “Tosca” and youthful tenor Chase De Carlo met the challenge of “Quanto e bella.”
Sarah Johnson is only 15, but the soprano showed she can hold her own with this group. “She is an amazing young talent,” Doherty said.
Johnson proved his words with a stirring “O mio babbino caro” and also a performance from the “Magic Flute.”
“I felt great singing out there but I always feel good when I sing before an audience,” Johnson said. “My voice is a gift from God but I’m here to learn as much as I can and get experience. I want to learn more every day.”
Baritone Jerod Eggleston also brought a strong presence, singing from “…di Figaro” and joined Ray Lee on a selection from “La Boheme.”
Central Florida Lyric Opera announced its schedule for the 2017 season:
“Camelot” Jan. 4-5, two performances each day at Savannah Center.
“Golden Age of Opera,” Jan. 26 at Laurel Manor Recreation Center.
“Three Tenors Plus One,” Feb. 11 at The Sharon.
“La Boheme,” Feb. 8 at Hacienda Recreation Center.
“Love On Broadway,” Feb. 23 at Laurel Manor Recreation Center.
“Voices of Spring,” March 23 at Laurel Manor.
“Il Trovatore,” March 30 at Hacienda Recreation Center.
“Fiddler On The Roof,” April 7-8, Savannah Center.
“Favorite Operettas,” May 25, at Laurel Manor.
