STUART — He has been featured on albums along side pop superstars Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, was a member of a multiple Grammy winning group and to the surprise of many, lives in our own backyard. Palm City’s own Terry Barber will be showcasing his talents for his local supporters on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the historic Lyric Theatre.
Although he is now known internationally for his unique voice and ability to sing in the countertenor range, Barber’s musical talent was first discovered while attending elementary school in a small New Hampshire town. According to Barber, his kindergarten teacher Ms. Barnes often began class with a song and that is when she realized that he had a talent unlike any other.
“At that age, most children have trouble matching pitches, but for me it was almost natural and effortless,” said Barber. “Ms. Barnes often had me sing in front of my fellow students as a learning tool for my classmates.”
In the years following his kindergarten debut, Barber dedicated his time to developing his craft by continuously working with a voice coach, studying music at Northwestern University and also pursuing a master’s degree in historically informed vocal performance at Trinity College London.
His hard work and natural gift has helped him achieve a rare recognition as one of only 50 men in the world who work professionally, singing in the countertenor range, which is a range above that of tenor. Barber’s talent has impressed so many people worldwide that he has been able to perform at some of the world’s most coveted music venues including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall and Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall.
After a jam-packed year of touring and entertaining sellout crowds across the country he is happy to be back in Palm City. “I’m glad to be home,” said Barber. “This concert will be a great way for me to share my favorite work from my national tour, along with new material, with my friends along the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches.”
The concert will also feature guest performances by up-and-coming young, local stars. The artists performing with Barber are members of Artists for a Cause, a nonprofit organization founded by Barber in 2009 to support artists who are using their talents for the betterment of the community. Young artists performing include Timothy Nicholas, Christina Regan, Talia Suskauer, Sydney Carbo and Savanna Webber, among others.
The event is presented by a friend of both Barber and Artists for a Cause, Elisabeth Lahti. Lahti is known locally for her support of children’s services and the arts. Guests can expect outstanding vocal performances and a fun-filled evening as Barber performs a variety of classical and standard popular favorites in unique original arrangements that have an innovative and entertaining twist. A chamber quartet of gifted instrumentalists will also be accompanying artists performing throughout the evening.
Tickets for An Evening with Terry Barber, Countertenor are $35 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased at the Lyric Theatre box office or online athttp://www.lyrictheatre.com. For more information visit http://www.terry-barber.com or call 772-286-7827.
