Grammy-winning Metropolitan Opera tenor Aaron Blake, pianist Cris Frisco, and guests are coming together to celebrate the beautiful and unifying nature of music.

“Love through Music,” a program designed by Mr. Blake and presented by King University, will feature selections from composers including Tosti, Scarlatti, Handel and others, as well as favorites by Gershwin and more from the Great American Songbook.

Open to the public and free of charge, the recital will take place Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Joining Mr. Blake and Mr. Frisco will be Clara Kay Hunt on violin, and – in an adventurous mix of genres – the Seventh Avenue Ramblers bluegrass band.

“Blending the worlds of bluegrass and opera has always been a thought in the back of my mind, and one that has come up more often since I moved to east Tennessee,” said Mr. Blake. “Experiencing bluegrass in a much more up-close and personal way has revealed a wonderful commonality shared with opera – both are musical styles that are based on deep honesty and truth. Each one tells stories of humanity and often love, and I’m excited to share the ways in which they mix.”

A native Californian who now resides in Bristol, Tennessee, Mr. Blake has earned international recognition for his performances. He is the recipient of the 2017 George London Foundation Award, and in 2022 was recognized with a Grammy award for his role as the High Priest of Amon in The Metropolitan Opera’s “Akhnaten.” Most recently, he appeared in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of “The Tales of Hoffman,” and will return in spring 2025 for “The Marriage of Figaro.”

The recital comes a day after Mr. Blake will lead vocal arts masterclasses for dozens of area high school and college students on the King campus, offering a capstone event to activities that are helping expand opportunities and connections in the regional arts community.

“Since the beginning of time, love has been a unifying force in our world, and music has long been a driver for its expression,” Mr. Blake said. “Now more than ever there’s a need for greater expression of love for one another, and I hope this program will help encourage that.”