As part of a duo, Jonathan Antoine made it big on the sixth season of “Britain’s Got Talent” but has since pursued a solo career. In a spectacular performance, Antoine performs “Summertime.”
Antoine is a classically trained tenor whose first genre of music is opera. However, Antoine also sings a lot of pop, jazz, and ballads. His rich voice can suit any type of music.
In this video, Antoine performs the hit song “Summertime” from the musical “Porgy and Bess.” “Summertime” was written by Geroge Gershwin for the play.
Porgy and Bess debuted in Boston in 1935. Later, the crew took the show to New York City to perform on Broadway. However, it did not have a strong following until its revival in 1976.
Over time, “Summertime” became a jazz standard. The song is generally regarded as the finest Gershwin ever wrote. Steven Sondheim, famous for his musicals, believed the song to be the best lyrics in theater history.
Jonathan Antoine introduces the song by giving the setting of “Porgy and Bess” – South Carolina, 1935. He delivers the lyrics will compelling sincerity though he is not American, nor a woman like “Summertime” is traditionally sung by.
Antoine’s conviction and emotional bravado really shine as he reaches the crescendo. With a full orchestra behind him, the opera singer makes Gershwin proud and delights the audience.
