Bernie Williams and Jonathan Tetelman Team Up for a Unique Performance
At first glance, it might seem surprising that Bernie Williams, a well-known former Yankee, and Jonathan Tetelman, an international tenor, would team up. But then again, Tetelman humorously refers to his baseball fans as “filthy Phillies fans.”
“There wasn’t too much love for the Yankees in my family,” Tetelman shared with a chuckle during an interview with the Post, seated alongside Williams, who has been nominated for a Latin Grammy.
Williams, with a laugh, quickly responded, “I’ll take that as a compliment.” It’s all in good fun, particularly since both will share the Carnegie Hall stage — a venue they cherish — on January 13 for a night blending sports and music.
Other notable performers scheduled for the evening include Mets legend Jose Reyes, former Knicks star Stephon Marbury, and violinist Katia Leggero Lindor, who’s married to Mets player Francisco Lindor.
“It means everything to me,” Williams expressed about taking the stage at such an iconic venue. “As a musician, I think your success is often measured by who you perform with and where. Playing with John here is a dream come true. It’s hard to overlook the legendary artists who have graced this stage, from Louis Armstrong to Maria Callas.”
Williams’ transition from a successful baseball career to a respected musician has received considerable attention. After a 16-year stint in Major League Baseball, where he wore No. 51 at Yankee Stadium, he pursued studies in guitar and composition at SUNY Purchase. His second album, “Moving Forward,” earned him a Latin Grammy nomination in 2009.
His impressive stats include a .297 batting average, 287 home runs, 1,257 RBIs, and 2,336 hits over 9,053 at-bats. Williams sees a link between baseball and music, especially when it comes to high-pressure moments.
“It really boils down to preparation,” he commented. “Whether you’re at Carnegie Hall or Yankee Stadium, if you’re ready, even if the outcome is uncertain, you can feel that excitement. That energy translates into your performance, and the audience often feeds off that spirit.”
“There’s something truly magical about the connection forged between performer and audience, particularly in a venue like this,” Williams mentioned warmly.
When discussing what attendees can anticipate from the show, Williams called it an “eclectic mix of music.” Tetelman cheekily added that he hopes the audience would feel “drunk” from the performance.
Ultimately, Tetelman strives to engage those who may not typically seek out performances like this. “As musicians, I believe it’s our duty to reach out to diverse audiences,” he stated. “It’s crucial for us to gather influences beyond our routines and share them. We also need to inspire the next generation of fans. By connecting different worlds, we can draw in people who might not usually experience opera or classical music, allowing them to appreciate something new that could enrich their lives.”
“Through music, we aim to not only connect people with the art but also foster connections among them.” Tetelman emphasized this shared responsibility among musicians.
