The story behind Fernando Varela begins and ends with a voice. A voice that the press is constantly comparing to some of the world’s greatest.
Fernando’s powerful voice tells the tale of a breathtaking tenor whose spirit and determination has defied the odds.
Varela recently shared this voice with worldwide audiences who were continuously amazed and left standing on their feet after watching his participation in Europe’s popularNight of the Proms tour, sharing the stage with notable talents such as Gavin DeGraw, The Beach Boys, Joe Jackson, Basement Jaxx, Maria Mena, OMD, Johannes Oerding, and Natalie Imbruglia. The innovation of star choreographer and creative director Marvin A. Smith inspired the astounding performance Fernando delivered on stage.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fernando moved to Florida at the age of eight, and while he always loved music it was not until he was seventeen that he discovered the impressive talent he had within him. With no formal training, Fernando sang for a university music panel out of high school and was presented with the barrier of doubt and adversity. His performance resulted in the professor’s laughing and telling Fernando “Don’t quit your day job, music is not for you.”
Fernando turned doubt and disbelief from others into a fierce drive to succeed. He quit his day job at a successful financial firm and set out to achieve his dream. With more than a decade of hard work and dedication, he transformed into one of the most captivating tenors in the world today.
Fernando trained with some of opera’s renowned classical icons and toured worldwide with Grammy Award-Winning producer David Foster [Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban] performing amongst some legendary superstars including Lionel Richie, Babyface, Peter Cetera, Neil Diamond, Seal, Jewel, and Chaka Kahn. He has also performed his own fifty date tour across the North America.
Varela recently signed with German record label, Deutsche Grammophon (a Universal Music Group company) and will release his new single “Vivere,” the title track from his upcoming album, in early 2016.
Vivere, recorded at the famous Abbey Road Recording Studio in the London and produced by Belgian producer Patrick Hamilton [Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, David Garrett], is a classical pop crossover album that perfectly showcases Fernando’s infectious optimism, and soaring vocals. The official release of Vivere is scheduled for early 2016, as well as many other exciting events including an International TV special and headlining his own European tour.
Fernando Varela sets the standard for what true musicianship is all about. His unique voice and engaging passion lights up the stage. His story demonstrates the power of not giving up on a dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.
By selecting tickets to this show today, you will become a member of PBS39 and will also receive tickets to see Fernando Varela live at the Santander Performing Arts Center as our way to say, "thank you!"