Say it with music with The Extraordinary Couple
Say it with music with The Extraordinary Couple
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Jan Merchant, mezzosoprano, and Gerald Floyd, tenor, will present a musical program Friday, October 17, 2008, at 7 pm, at Washington Street Methodist Church.
"1966 was my first year of teaching at Dreher High School, and it was Jan's senior year as a student there," remembers Gerald Floyd. "I directed the Key Club variety show that year, and Jan sang for the first time in public, A Foggy Day in London Town. She's been singing on stage ever since."
These two vocalists have appeared together a number of times in the past, in the Columbia Choral Society and in church duets. "A few people might remember Columbia's outdoor historical drama, "The Liberty Tree," says Floyd. "We performed in that cast."
Jan Merchant, a Columbia native, earned her degree from USC in music performance. She sang in the concert choir led by Árpád Dárázs, and was a student of Evelyn McGarrity.
Upon graduation from USC, she went straight to New York and sang professionally there for 15 years. While in that city, she met and married her husband, David Johnson, also a singer. She sang at the Metropolitan Opera with the Norman Luboff choir and on Broadway.
In 1985 Jan and David moved to Europe to continue their careers in opera and on the musical stage. For 21 years they lived mostly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They have appeared also in movies and television.
Columbia theatergoers are well acquainted with Gerald Floyd's stage work, as he has been active in community theater here for decades. Town Theater, Workshop, and Trustus have all featured him in many roles, often showcasing his comedic talents along with the music. He was named Teacher of the Year four times at Dreher High School.
Jan Merchant is spending time now in Columbia to care for her ailing mother, Marian Rose Merchant. "My grandmother, Julia Rose Hines, taught piano here for 50 years," she says. "I am back in the bedroom where I grew up and enjoying renewing acquaintances in my home town."
Merchant will give a solo recital at First Presbyterian Church on October 14.
For their program at Washington Street Methodist, The Extraordinary Couple will do music from Broadway shows, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, love songs and wedding songs. Appearing with them will be Jim Mooney, tenor, and accompanist Joe Hudson. This evening is a fundraiser for the music program at the church. Tickets are $15, and a silent auction is part of the evening program, featuring a vacation trip, antiques, art work, and baked goods. Call 256-2417 for reservations or go by the church at 1401 Washington Street.
