Most artists wait a career lifetime to achieve the feat that Murfreesboro’s own Chris Young will accomplish this month, Feb. 21, when he performs locally with the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra.
Singing with the symphony is not only a new adventure for the country recording artist but also an unexpected one. Well-established entertainers such as Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill and Randy Travis, one of Young’s heroes, are among the class of artists one would expect to perform with a symphony, not a newer music star such as Young.
In a recent phone interview from Des Moines, Iowa, Young said that it’s not often a young country artist gets that kind of opportunity.
“I’m excited to be doing this,” the singer said. “It should be a great night.”
“I love Murfreesboro. It’s rare for me to get to play in my hometown, so I am very excited,” says Young.
While growing up locally, Young said he has seen Murfreesboro grow tremendously, just as Murfreesboro has seen Young grow in prominence, including his win on the USA Network’s Nashville Star in 2006 and this year’s release of his second album for RCA.
His new single, “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” was released to country radio Feb. 16, with his second album set for summer release.
The surprising part of Young’s story for many, though, is his classical vocal training. Classical and country don’t generally mix well, but “all kinds of singing is related,” Young assured.
As for his preparation for the 8 p.m. Feb. 21 concert with the symphony, already Young sings four or five hours any given day, and even more if he’s rehearsing for a show. In turn, knowing how to sing correctly and take proper care of his voice are now two of Young’s greatest assets.
Regarding his career overall, Young said he measures his success by working to enjoy each accomplishment he achieves, taking nothing for granted.
“When I accomplish one thing, I still have three or four goals after that,” he said. “My second record comes out this summer, but I’m fortunate to have had the first record.”
Young’s fans shouldn’t take the symphony performance for granted, either. He is open to the idea of more symphony dates in the future, he said, but wants to keep them as special events instead of the usual expectation.
That said, the twenty-something Young has no plans to leave country music, either, and still hopes to one day meet idol Randy Travis.
“I’ve always felt this was my destiny,” the singer said. “So, I’m having the time of my life.”
In the interim, however, Young hopes to hear his own music on the radio, next to that of, say, Brooks and Dunn or George Strait.
“At that point, I’ll know my work is just beginning,” he said. “But I’ll also know that dreams do come true.”
Tickets to Young’s 8 p.m. Feb. 21 concert with the Murfreesboro Symphony at MTSU’s Murphy Center are available through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling (615) 898-2103.
IF YOU GO:
What: Chris Young with the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra
Where: MTSU Murphy Center
When: Feb. 21
at 8 p.m.
Cost: $15 – $35
