Classical Crossover Star Fernando Varela Signs Record Deal With Deutsche Grammophon of Germany

  
Picture Credit: Mascioli Entertainment

Here on this little ole’ blog of mine, I have repeatedly said that Reality Television Singing Competitions can only take you so far. There is a long road ahead for artists who crave fame and good fortune or, at the very least, a decent income on which to survive for the rest of one’s life. 

So, rather than achieving “a win” on a Reality Television show, it comes down to taking risks in one’s musical career . These shows are, for the most part, a great launching pad for the artist;  however, if the artist does not sprout his or her own wings and learn how to fly beyond the borders of these shows, he or she will fall flat and artistically whither away. 

Not the case in Fernando Varela’s (a former member of America’s Got Talent’s classical trio, Forte) journey.  Not. Even. Close.

Today it was announced (via Reuters) that:

“World-renowned tenor and classical crossover artist, Fernando Varela, confirmed his signing of a global recording agreement with Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft MBH, a Universal Music Company, based in Berlin, Germany. The agreement culminates a year full of recording and trans-Atlantic trips for Varela.”

How exciting is that?   To the naked eye, one could say that, perhaps, Fernando Varela, is an overnight sensation. He is presently selling out and commanding nightly standing ovations from 15,000 plus people on his prestigious Night Of The Proms tour in Europe. A new face and voice with an enormous God-given talent is making waves across the ocean. It’s a miracle! 

Yes, you could say that. If you believe in fairytales and miracles. Which I do – very much so – but with stipulations.  

In the real world, fairytales happen to those who, not only believe in reaching for that special star, but are also willing to pave their golden road to success with hard work, perseverance, incredible focus, unrelenting determination and incredible, God-given talent. 

There is a familiar saying: “God helps those who help themselves“.  Not enough people respect this adage anymore. It’s all about me, Me, ME!  And want, Want, WANT!  Like now, Now, NOW! 

But Fernando gets it. Always has and always will. He has paid his dues a hundred fold, guided and surrounded by an incredible team of family members, friends, mentors and an unrelenting manager named Paul Mascioli of Mascioli Entertainment based in Orlando Florida. 

When he appeared on America’s Got Talent as part of the classical group, Forte – who finished 4th in this intense competition,  those who knew Fernando understood that, for him, the journey did not stop on that AGT stage at Radio City Music Hall. 

Instead,  after the show was over, Fernando and Paul worked feverishly and quietly to set the scene for a bigger stage and that stage – two years later – has culminated with this mammoth announcement today. Two years of sacrifice and hard work. And everything that came before.  One can only imagine the phone  calls, the planning, the endurance and, quite possibly, the heartache that went in to achieving this superior level of success. 

No pain – no gain. Another motto that could be applied to Fernando’s story. 

Here is another excerpt from the Reuters article:

“When asked about the signing, Varela commented, “I am humbled and out of words to express my gratitude. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time.”

Varela is soon to release his first single “Vivere,” the title track off his upcoming album, to coincide with his 18 performances scheduled in 12 cities throughout Germany with Europe’s Night of the Proms tour. Co-starring with Varela in the popular concert series are Gavin DeGraw, Natalie Imbruglia, Basement Jaxx and The Beach Boys, as well as many other talented musicians.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios and produced by Patrick Hamilton, [Katherine Jenkins, Yannick Bovy, Jo Vally] Vivere is a classical pop crossover album that perfectly showcases Fernando’s vocals with music that captures the essence of classical elegance while remaining upbeat in a way modern and classical music lovers cannot help but love.”

His new album, Vivere, will be released in 2016.  However, if you happen to be travelling to Europe in the near future, you can catch Fernando performing the title track  live on his “Night Of The Proms” tour. Plus his singular version of “Nessun Dorma“.  And a sprinkle of funk and rock n roll thrown in for good measure. Now, that’s worth the price admission, wouldn’t you say?