CRESTVIEW — Musician David Wise is preparing for a Crestview homecoming with his self-described “popera” group, Tenore.
Wise, a Nashville resident, is on a 60-city tour with the musical project. The trio’s show in Crestview, his hometown, will be their first-ever performance in the Florida Panhandle.
“It sort of worked out to where we had a few extra days and I suggested we head down to Florida,” Wise said. Tenore will perform 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at First Baptist Church in Crestview. Admission to the event is free.
The group is no stranger to the road, having played shows in dozens of countries and winning awards in the United States and Canada. The musicians have brought home a Gospel Music Award and multiple Covenant Awards, Canada’s GMA equivalent.
Tenore features three tenors, including Wise, Mark David Williams and Jason Catron, performing traditional and popular Christian music. The group’s three recorded albums feature full orchestral instrumentation, according to Wise. While touring, the trio often travels light by bringing only a piano player.
Despite Wise’s Crestview start, and the other members’ American roots, Tenore started their career in Canada. Shortly after, Universal signed the group to one of its labels.
Originally asked to participate as a part-time substitute roughly six years ago, Wise said he was later asked to join Tenore full time. He accepted the offer, but that wasn’t his first experience of performance.
Wise’s musical journey began at a young age as a singer listening to Christian and a cappella music. Once reaching junior high school, he enlisted in his school band as a drum major, which he continued through high school. After graduation, Wise enrolled at Stetson University as a vocal performance major.
“They always said, ‘He’ll be the one doing music his whole life,’ and here I am,” Wise said.
When he’s not on the road, Wise focuses on producing music and being a studio singer. He said he recently produced Tenore’s third studio album, “Impossible Dream,” and a song for actor Ruby Lewis.
Despite extensive touring, Wise said he plans to focus his future on producing — something he hopes to do full time. The trio, according to Wise, will continue to perform and tour as needed to support the musicians’ other endeavors.
In the meantime, Wise is excited for a “wonderful homecoming” to Crestview. He said he hopes to see high school friends and people in town for the holiday season.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Musician returns home in Christian 'popera' concert