It all began in 2002. With a nod to THE 3 Tenors, the guys set out to bring their own take on the popular classical genre and expand the perception of what a 21st century ‘Tenor’ could be.
The idea was simple: choose some of the most iconic songs across a variety of genres, stay true to the melody and incorporate rich harmonies to create their own unique sound. Since then, Scott Ciscon (tenor,) Paul Martin (bass-baritone) & Jem Sharples (tenor) have performed all across the globe and are the UK’s original classical-crossover ‘man-band.’ The clever combination of popular opera, musical theatre, crooner standards and original songs has been the key to their success. That, combined with a wicked sense of humour makes their performance more than just a show and this is clearly apparent when ‘the Rat Pack of Opera’ (as they are also known) takes to the stage.
They are currently performing in theatres across the UK and the US with their new show That’s Amoré! which features a number new songs to their repertoire as well as some original pieces.
In the meantime Paul Martin found sometime to answer some questions we had for the band! Read everything you need to know about Tenors UnLimited in the interview that follows!
Paul welcome to SounDarts.gr. What have you been up to these days?
We continue to tour theatres, mainly in the UK and USA. Our latest show is called ‘That’s Amoré’
How did you meet each other and how was the band of Tenors Unlimited formed in the first place?
We all had solo careers before we met, working in the music industry, but wanted to form a group where we could perform opera, pop and our own compositions – there was nothing else like us when we started and we still remain one of the few groups in the genre to form ourselves and write our own music
Your latest album “The Journey” came out in 2016. Should we expect a new full length album soon?
We’re currently working on a new album – it will feature much of the material from our new tour show, including: Bernstein, Lloyd-Webber and ELO!
What new and exciting do the Tenors Unlimited bring to the world of ‘classical crossover’ music?
Our humour and high-energy show coupled with our own compositions makes us uniques in the genre
Do you believe that the audience’s demands on music have changed? Is there a need to hear something different?
Yes and no – people love to hear new things, but it is expected that we perform ‘Nessun dorma’ / ‘Pearl fishers’ / ‘Time to say goodbye’ at our shows
If you had the chance to collaborate with one of your favorite artists, who would you choose and why?
We’ve been lucky to collaborate with some great artists already, but performing with Mario Frangoulis in Greece would be wonderful!
Having made appearances all over the world, which one stands out for you and why?
Perhaps the FA Cup final at Wembley stadium, singing the iconic ‘Abide with me’, with 90,000 in the stadium and hundreds of millions watching around the world
While you are live on stage, what’s your favorite moment and why?
When we discover a new harmony or comedy moment – that’s always exciting. But the anticipation and excitement just before a packed theatre show still gives us a massive buzz.
You have been together for many years! What helps you to stay together?
We are all devoted fathers and husbands which gives us great perspective.
Have you ever been Greece? What do you like the most about our country?
We’ve been to Greece many times and love how welcoming the people are and the excellent food. We recently joined n with a guy playing the bouzouki in a bar in Santorini!
Are you thinking about live performances for this summer? What is in plan?
We’ve had a very busy first half of the year so are taking some time off over the summer with our families
What is your motto in life?
Be kind, be honest, be grateful
Finally, is there something you would like to say to all your fans out there?
We hope you continue to enjoy our music and keep spreading the word
Interview: Thodoris Kolliopoulos
