Bringing their classically trained vocal talents and inspirational, sacred musical selections to the City is Tenore: The Christian Tenors.
The group, which includes Shane Wiebe, Jason Catron and Mark David Williams, performs at CrossRoads Church on Oct. 28.
The matinee concert begins at 2:30 p.m.
Founded by Jill Ann Siemens just last year, Tenore has received tremendous acclaim in their short time together. Nominated for awards in seven categories at the 2011 GMA Covenant Awards, Tenore walked away with three plaques.
Wiebe, a former top-five contestant on Canadian Idol, believes the song choices are what endear audiences to the group.
“What’s interesting about our music is that the melody is always very familiar, allowing audiences to sing along,” he explains. “Tenore takes these familiar songs and infuses an adrenaline rush.”
Wiebe grew up singing in church choirs and youth groups. At age 17 he toured Europe with the Columbia Singers and performed with the Vancouver Cantata Singers and the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Singers.
In 2004, the next phase of his musical journey began as he climbed into a top five spot on Canadian Idol.
Wiebe and his wife Angela reside on the west coast with their two children where he is working toward his Bachelor of Business Administration. He and Angela have released two albums jointly and are currently at work on a third.
Mark David Williams admits that the connection from the group’s growing fan base has been energizing and humbling.
“It’s amazing to watch how much we can accomplish together, but the true joy comes when we are able to hit the stage and share these treasured and timeless songs.”
Williams studied music and theater at Northwestern University and graduated with a degree in Commercial Music Performance from Belmont University in Nashville.
In 2004 he won the Minnesota Idol contest and in 2005 was named one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans.
He has sung and shared his testimony on such shows as 100 Huntley Street, Living Truth and Helpline. He has sung at the Crystal Cathedral and traveled with the southern gospel group The Sound.
His diverse vocal talents are rooted in Classical and Broadway music.
Finally, Catron points out that the songs Tenore offer are indeed a natural fit for the group.
“Both in voice and heart, (they) allow us to effortlessly lead and connect with so many in singing new arrangements of these great classics.”
Catron has invented a whole new genre of music himself, dubbed ‘pop-era,’ which is described as pop-influenced classical vocals with opera roots.
His music is bridging genres and generations, following the release of his first two CDs Jason Catron and Hymns.
Catron also travels frequently singing at churches and conferences.
He has made numerous media appearances, including three times on Crystal Cathedral’s Hour of Power, The Dennis Swanberg Show on TBN, Bridges in Nashville among others.
While often compared to pop/classical superstar Josh Groban, Catron’s influences range from well-known classical artists Andrea Bocelli, Michael Crawford and Tony Bennett to Christian singers like Steve Green and Sandy Patti.
For Tenore’s Alberta tour, they will be joined by singer Kevin Pauls.
“Kevin brings a new life and vibrancy to our concert and brings over 20 years of experience having toured with some of the biggest names in the industry,” said Siemens. “We are so fortunate to have him join us.”
Pauls has toured with the Gaither Vocal Band and has been a part of the Gaither Homecoming Series as well.
Tickets are on sale at Scott’s Parable in Red Deer and at the door. The first 500 tickets are just $10 and after they are gone the tickets are $20.
editor@reddeerexpress.com
