BACK ON THE CHENEY GANG
I originally caught tenor Brian Cheney in Pacific Opera Project’s Tosca, and I was awestruck. Playing the brave painter Cavaradossi, Cheney really blew me away. With nary a glitch, and equally authoritative throughout his range, Cheney has that terrific tenor sound: the power, richness, and vocal color of a high baritone combined with ringing, awe-inspiring high notes. Now, Cheney is offering weekly concerts on Stageit, an online venue for live & interactive virtual concerts providing fans with a front row seat to a backstage experience.
The brilliant American has been giving thirty-minute recitals from his home since the quarantine began. The completely different shows have moved from Saturdays to Thursdays at 7pm EST (4pm PST) and you can expect a thoroughly winning program each week. Last Saturday’s half hour, pay what you can, mini-concert showcased the lush and beautiful music from French composers. Brian Cheney – French Kissed — his sixth concert so far — offered up a taste of French Opera as well as French Art Song. The next Thursday show on May 21 will be his second great program of Musical Theatre Faves! from South Pacific, Man of La Mancha, Into the Woods and more.
Cheney’s concerts showcase his versatility as a crossover performer with programs such as “Musical Theatre Hits”, “Verdi & Puccini – Tenor Hits” and “Movie Musicals”. His Stageit concerts are quickly gaining the attention of audiences and press alike. The Albuquerque Journal raved about his most recent concert, Brian Cheney- The High School Years: “Immediately, upon seeing his smiling, animated face, one is drawn to Brian by sheer force of personality. Just as his mentor Jerry Hadley used to do, he becomes one with the audience – no small feat given that there is no audience for him to react to. You simply want to like him.”
