The Rotary Club of Jamestown welcomed Fernando Watts, recipient of the 18th Rotary Music Scholarship at Chautauqua.
The Institution’s Young Artist Program was established in 1968 and is recognized as one of the best training programs for young singers in America today, with over 1,000 artists benefitting from the professional training experience.
The Institution’s Young Artist Program was established in 1968 and is recognized as one of the best training programs for young singers in America today, with over 1,000 artists benefitting from the professional training experience.
Fernando was born and raised on the beautiful island of Barbados. He is an operatic bass who just completed his Bachelor of Music at the Manhattan School of Music. He will continue to further his studies pursuing a Master’s in Music at the Manhattan School.
“I started my musical journey being a boy soprano inspired by choral music and allowing that passion to continue to pave the way for me, which has led me to be able to share my gift of voice and to spread love and joy through the music that I experience and sing,” stated Watts to the Club members.
This is Watts’ first summer at Chautauqua. He is working under the tutelage of Marlena Malas. He will be singing in the upcoming production of “The Cunning Little Vixen” on August 8th in the Amphitheatre.
Fernando has performed as a soloist in John Stainer’s Crucifixion and Handel’s Messiah, both performed at the Manhattan School.
Watts stated that “I believe that music is the best medicine and I have faith that I am able to heal with my gift of voice”, he explained. His dream is to be a performer and establish himself as a role model for his country of Barbados, creating a space for classical and operatic music. His motto is: “Trust in the process.”
Rotarians welcomed Chautauqua operatic bass, Fernando Watts and his accompaniest, Chris Staknys, who hails from the Portland, Maine area.