The SuperPops concert will include such selections as “Look for the Silver Lining,” “Caruso,” “The Face,” “Cinema Paradiso,” “A Mother’s Love,” “Careless Whisper,” and a “Man of La Mancha” medley. He’ll also deliver such Italian classics as “O Solo Mio,” “Volare,” “Arrivederci Roma” and “Con Te Partiro.”
In advance of his appearance, Masri, described in music circles as an appealing blend of Michael Bublé and Josh Groban, discussed his artistry.
Q: You seem to balance standards and classical fare effortlessly. Have you always valued versatility?
A: Variety has been the spice of my musical career. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed many forms of music and have had many musicals influences over the years from Italian love songs to gospel music to pop music. I think the appreciation for those various genres of music have created the artist I am today. I love to go into different environments and feel like I fit. I don’t want to be someone who gets stuck into one particular genre so therefore I’ve incorporated many covers in my concert.
Q: Do you enjoy having opportunities to sing with a symphony? Also, what do you consider your chief goals when interpreting songs?
A: There’s nothing like being enveloped by the sound of a symphony. You can have the most accomplished band with you in some instances, but there’s just nothing like the warmth and embrace of a symphony. When I step onto the stage, the most important thing for me is to connect, capture and communicate the intent and emotion of a song, especially when I sing a multi-language song. I have to assume the majority of an audience is not fluent in Italian or Spanish, but they will connect with the emotion of a song. In these circumstances, I always encourage my listeners, my audience, to sort of detach themselves from the lyric phonetically and make a heart or soul connection to the emotion or feeling instead. Whatever emotion it stirs in them will produce an authentic experience, which is what I’m aiming for.
Q: What are some of your favorite selections in the concert?
A: I really love ‘Caruso,’ a song written by contemporary Italian composer Lucio Dalla that was dedicated to Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, one of Italy’s greatest tenors. I also enjoy ‘Careless Whisper’ because George Michael was truly an incredible artist. I really feel George Michael was one of the last worldwide pop artists we’ve ever known on a massive scale. His death remains a huge loss.
Q: Are you proud to carry on the grand tradition of the crooner?
A: I’m totally comfortable with being known as a crooner. There is enough variety and diversity in that classification. Crooners bring to mind the importance of melody and endearingly well-crafted material whether new pieces or classic reinterpretations. Crooners are also timeless because there will always be a desire to experience music in that context. So many of the things happening today in popular music, popular culture, is electronic, digitized or over-processed. There will always be a demand or appreciation for artists delivering music that is about beautiful melody and well-crafted lyrics.
WANT TO GO?
What: "Once Upon a Love Song with Mark Masri"
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: March 10-11; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cost: $29-$79
Tickets: Call Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630 or visit www.daytonperformingarts.org
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