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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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Barber shares classical music talent

T.J. Thomson
Countertenor Terry Barber holds up his hands during one of his vocal selections Feb. 7 in Memorial Hall's Auditorium. –Photo by T.J. Thomson
Countertenor Terry Barber holds up his hands during one of his vocal selections Feb. 7 in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. –Photo by T.J. Thomson

World-renowned countertenor Terry Barber exposed audience members to an eclectic mix of genres during his Feb. 7 performance in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. For Barber, classical music is for “everyone.”

Sounds of vibrancy, enthusiasm, emotion, culture, with a hint of humor, isn’t a blend readily found within the genre of classical music, however, one man seems to have defied the odds when it comes to finding the right balance. Terry Barber, an internationally acclaimed musical artist, graced CSC with his presence Feb. 7 as part of the ongoing Galaxy Series program.

Baritone, tenor, alto, soprano; Barber shocked the audience with his ability to sing across musical octaves; while also singing a vast polylingual set in French, Italian, Latin, German, and English. Singing custom arrangements of modernized classical favorites such as “Ave Maria,” to a modern rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Barber honored the stage with generations of composers. Witty humor mixed with vibrant body language set the mood for every piece.

Barber received his bachelor’s of music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where he gained some recognition for his broad vocal range and musical talent. Leaving the United States for continued education, Barber attended London’s Trinity College of Music, gaining a master of music degree. After completing his formal education, Barber joined opera companies, orchestras, and took up teaching positions awaiting the year 2002 that would bring Barber to the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Noted heavily through his performance, Barber has a strong loyalty to family, dedicating songs and a whole album he composed to his late mother who died of lymphoma in 2006. Motivated by his mother’s death, Barber founded a nonprofit organization to help those less fortunate than himself. Artists for a Cause, based in Stuart, Fla., dedicates time and resources to advance musical arts, humanitarian efforts, and civil rights within the United States.