For nearly 50 years, Barry Manilow has crooned his way into the hearts of audiences worldwide with songs like Can't Smile Without You and Mandy. Now, as he prepares to perform in the Glass City for his "One Last Time" farewell tour, the legendary singer has invited members of the University of Toledo's premiere chorus group to join him onstage as backup singers for what is sure to be a memorable finale.
A great showman
"I just got an email and a follow-up phone call from the tour manager, and I think they're using choirs throughout this tour as a part of the finale," said Dr. Brad Pierson, UT’s Director of Choral Activities. "He sent me an email and asked, 'Would you be interested?' and I said, 'Of course we would be interested!'"
Pierson himself will be singing with his students on three of Manilow's most famous songs as part of the encore— Copacabana, I Write the Songs and a secret third number that Pierson will not divulge.
Ironically, Pierson— who took over as Director of Choral Activities at UT this past August— is not really a big Manilow fan himself, although he is clearly thrilled at the chance for his chorus to perform with such a celebrated artist.
"I'm not necessarily the guy who's getting in his car and popping in Barry Manilow albums," Pierson said with a chuckle. "But everybody talks about what a great showman he is, and anybody who has a career that has sustained over such a long period of time— even if you're not necessarily a fan of the music, you gotta show a lot of respect to somebody who can do it year in and year out, while still selling tickets."
An incredible opportunity
The appearance with Manilow is just part of a much larger season for Pierson's performers— a schedule so stacked with events that, as of this writing, the Concert Chorale hasn't even really begun preparing for the Manilow show.
"We actually have not started rehearsal yet," Pierson said, noting how the group had just finished a pair of concerts not long before this interview— and are now focusing on another two toward end of the month, in addition to the Manilow performance. "With all the concerts, we have been busy focusing on other things," he noted.
Despite the crowded schedule, Pierson said he hopes his singers will appreciate the incredible opportunity this event affords them.
"I don't know that it has entirely hit the students yet," Pierson said. "They know who Barry Manilow is, but… I don't think they have quite as much context as to why this is a big deal. They kind of get it, but I think once they get onstage, and they see the thousands of people out there, screaming for Barry, it will sink in."
For more information on UT's choral ensembles and their upcoming performances, visit: utoledo.edu/comm-arts/music/ensembles/ensembles_choral.html
7:30pm Wednesday, April 27. $15-$170. The Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. huntingtoncentertoledo.com
