An Unexpected Duet in Covent Garden: Stephen Barry’s Memorable Performance
In an extraordinary twist of fate, Stephen Barry, a gifted vocalist from Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland, found himself performing an impromptu duet in Covent Garden. Despite earning a Master’s Degree in Musical Theatre from London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Barry had accumulated significant debt, leading him to busk to make ends meet.
On November 10, 2016, while performing a piece from “Phantom of the Opera,” a woman in the audience requested “All I Ask of You.” Initially hesitant to perform back-to-back songs from the same show, Barry was persuaded when the woman offered to join him. Unbeknownst to him, his spontaneous duet partner was Celinde Schoenmaker, then starring as Christine in the same musical at the Majestic Theatre.
The resulting performance was nothing short of magical, with Barry and Schoenmaker’s vocals perfectly complementing each other. The video captures Barry’s joy and Schoenmaker’s professionalism, making it a hit online. Barry’s astonishment at discovering Schoenmaker’s identity and her encouraging demeanor adds a layer of charm to this unforgettable musical moment.
Watch the video below to see this incredible spontaneous duet, and share in Stephen Barry’s joyous surprise.