Biographies

FERNANDO VARELA

The story behind Fernando Varela begins and ends with a voice. A voice tells the tale of a breathtaking tenor whose spirit and determination has defied the odds. 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. Fernando trained with some of opera’s renowned classical icons and tours worldwide with Grammy Award- Winning producer David Foster. Varela can also be seen featured on David Foster’s recently released all-new PBS Special. He has also performed amongst some legendary superstars including Lionel Richie, Sarah Brightman, Babyface, Gladys Knight, Peter Cetera, Neil Diamond, Benny Andersson, Seal, Jewel, The Beach Boys, Steven Tyler, Josh Groban, and Chaka Kahn. This year saw Fernando as a special guest performer at The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Gloria and Emilio Estefan, as well as celebrating Julio Iglesias on The Grammy Salute to Legends. Varela is signed with Universal Music Group and released his debut album Vivere, March 2017, accompanied by his debut PBS Special, Coming Home. Fernando is currently in the studio with producer Emilio Estefan working on his follow-up album. Fernando Varela sets the standard for what true musicianship is all about, combining a unique voice and an engaging passion which lights up the stage.

MIGUEL SALAS

Miguel Salas, a Venezuelan baritone born in Caracas, began his musical studies at the age of nine at "Maria Teresa Castillo" Cultural Center. While there, he placed first in the II Children's Voice Festival of Chacao (Caracas - Venezuela) and later became a member of the "Children's Show Choir of Sucre" for two years where he performed in several televised events.

Miguel then moved to the city of Maracay where he joined the music school "Federico Villena" studying music theory, musical dictation, harmony, academic piano, classical guitar, music aesthetics, music history, counterpoint and classical singing with teachers Hermes Gomez and Lola Linares. While there, he performed as a soloist in various productions in the Maracay Opera House. In 2006, he received a scholarship from the Government of Aragua state to study Italian and Opera in Florence, Italy. Following his studies, he worked with the National System of Youth Orchestras as a choir director and vocal coach. He performed with Simon Bolivar Symphony Chorus for two years with which he

participated in the America Cantata Festival in 2013 and the 2014 Salzburg Festival as well as numerous concerts in Caracas. In 2009 and 2012, he was invited by the Organization of American States (OAS) to work with youth at risk in the Caribbean islands as choir director and vocal coach.

Miguel has performed professionally as a baritone soloist in numerous operas and musicals throughout the world. He has also worked as a pianist and arranger and continues to perform locally with the Central Florida Lyric Opera, Mad Cow Theater, and The Local Vocals ensemble.

EDWARD WASHINGTON II

American tenor Edward Washington II was born in England raised in Saudi Arabia and lives in NewYork City. He was selected for intensive vocal study Mollie Rich, Craig Maddox, Kenneth Kamal Scott and Marquita Lister. He is a former artist with Orlando Opera, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Opera Orlando, International Festival of the Voice, New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Mr. Washington’s roles include "Edwin" in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, "Ralph" in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, "Robbins" in George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, "Parpigol" in Puccini’s La Boheme, "Gherardo" in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, "Spoletta" in Puccini’s Tosca, "Pang" and "Pong" in Puccini’s Turandot, "Tamino" in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and "Mr. Scratch" in Moore’s The Devil and Daniel Webster among others. He has premiered a number of new songs by American composers/arrangers. Edward has been a featured artist with the United States Air Force Band, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Morgan State University Choir, and the American Spiritual Ensemble. He was a featured soloist while on tour in Argentina, and was a featured vocalist twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Edward Washington II was formerly the Music and Education director of the "Negro Spiritual" Scholarship Foundation based in Orlando, Florida and directed their ensemble "Master Singers." He still is a proud ambassador for the foundation. He is excited to perform once again for the Opera Club of The Villages.

HEATHER ARD

Heather Ard is honored to perform in Three Tenors Plus One with Maestro Bill Doherty in support of the Harold Swartz Music Scholarship. Through the support of many mentors Heather has had a successful career as a performer and is happy to nurture that desire in other musicians. Heather has performed in professional productions throughout the country, some of her favorite rolls include Maria: The Sound of Music, Belle: Beauty and the Beast, The Narrator: Joseph... and Julie in Showboat. Throughout her career in entertainment Heather has worn many hats: singer, performer, stage manager, choreographer, and director. Around The Villages Heather can be seen singing at St. Timothy Catholic Church and various other venues in the area. Her involvement with The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center began as the Properties Manager for the opening team and she has been a part of the family ever since. Heather is currently the House Manager for the Sharon as well as the Events Coordinator. Heather’s title has changed throughout her career however her goal remains the same: “To utilize my passion for entertainment to bring joy to others.” Enjoy the show!

BILL DOHERTY

Bill Doherty, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard, Maestro Bill has conducted and accompanied extensively in opera for over 20 years. He served as accompanist to MET Divas, Deborah Voigt, Molly Fillmore and Susan Neves. He is the founder and General Director of Central Florida Lyric Opera, and the Director of Music at St. Timothy’s Church. In 2014, Maestro Doherty conducted members of CFLO and the St. Timothy choir in the world premiere of his Misa di Requiem at St. Ignazio Basilica in Rome, Italy, and at the Vatican. During the pandemic, Maestro Bill has produced monthly free live streaming performances, Talent Explosion featuring members of his Central Florida Lyric Opera company and celebrated artists. Presently collaborating with local artists, Bill will accompany soprano, Heather Ard, in a cabaret show, Still Singing, at The Sharon and Raise the Curtain, his New Year’s show at the Savannah Center. Maestro Bill is the producer, and accompanist for Three Tenors Plus One, the Music Scholarship fundraiser for The Opera Club of The Villages.

KATHLEEN KANE

Kathleen Kane's life is forever in motion, so besides her entertaining "On Stage," you can also hear her on AM640, FM102.7, and FM104.5 in The Villages. She enjoys being Station Manager and a part of the morning shows on air. Kathleen has had the honor and pleasure of interviewing many of the celebrities and guests who have performed at The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Savannah Center, and other performance venues as well as interviewing Maestro Bill Doherty, Fernando Varela, and Heather Beirne from time to time. Kathleen has emceed operas and loves the music! She most recently has begun to voice books on tape and many instructional and educational videos. At home, Kathleen spends her time working and having fun with her 3 rescue horses, 3 rescue dogs, and her lifelong pal…"Mr. Oliver Twist", her scarlet macaw.

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