There is a time in one’s life, if they have been loved or felt love for someone, when music speaks truth beyond that of words alone. Holding you in a dark hour, and teaching you where to put your feelings. Lifting you to a higher place, where confusion and doubt are replaced with honesty, solace and joy. I’m blessed to have music as a constant partner in my life; its melodies and poetry dynamically inspiring me to communicate, to learn and ultimately come to understand the delicacy of our time here. “Some Enchanted Evening” is a piece that captures the very essence of what I’m getting at. A song I’ve sung in many settings, for all different kinds of people that always seems to elicit the same result.

This song is said to have been the single biggest popular hit to come out of any Rodgers and Hammerstein show. In this three verse solo, Emile, the main male character from South Pacific, describes seeing a stranger, someone he feels pulled to. He knows that he will see her again, and her laughter will sing in his dreams. He sings that when you find your “true love”, you must “fly to her side, and make her your own”. This is an age-old message, but when mixed with the depth of the human voice and Rodgers’ music, its true message is delivered.

I have been collaborating with Steve Blier for going on ten years now. We met at Juilliard and his coachings were some of the most memorable and informing for my development as a young artist. I asked Steve if he would allow me to sing one of the great Richard Rodgers ballads on our upcoming program Rodgers, Rodgers and Guettel (Nov 1st and 3rd at Merkin). He selected this great song and I’m happy to be sharing its magic with my NYFOS family next week. Remember to bring some tissues and be open to all feelings.

Speaking of ‘legit’ sounds with spin, line etc etc, check out Ezio here, an opera singer who originated the role of Emile with a stunning bass-baritone voice, with a caramel tone, perfectly even vibrato and style.