Toreador Song
On March 22, 2025, opera met cabaret as Johnny Williams of the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay (GMCTB) delivered a commanding rendition of the iconic “Toreador Song” from Georges Bizet’s Carmen during the chorus’s spring concert, Say My Name!, held at The Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater in Tampa. In a program filled with pop hits, musical theater anthems, and queer reinterpretations, Williams brought gravitas and vocal prowess to the evening with his bold, operatic performance—an unexpected and thrilling turn that proved to be one of the concert’s most memorable moments.
The Toreador Song, officially titled “Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre,” is one of opera’s most recognizable arias. Sung by the brash bullfighter Escamillo, the piece is a celebration of courage, spectacle, and masculine bravado. In Williams’s hands, the aria transformed from a traditional showpiece into a confident declaration of queer pride and self-assurance. With a rich baritone voice that filled the intimate Jaeb Theater, he infused the performance with dramatic flair, bringing new life to a classic work through the lens of LGBTQ+ identity.
Williams appeared in a striking modern interpretation of the matador’s outfit. As he sang, he commanded the stage with charisma and poise, his voice booming with strength but laced with nuance. What could have been a straightforward homage to opera tradition instead became a defiant and joyful reimagining—one that delighted both longtime opera fans and newcomers alike.
The crowd responded with raucous applause, rising to their feet at the final note. The aria’s triumphant theme echoed the evening’s larger message: names, roles, and traditions can be redefined—and reclaimed.
Say My Name! was an eclectic and vibrant celebration of identity, presented by GMCTB with a curated setlist that spanned genres, decades, and moods. Hosted by Esme Russell, the show included a mix of playful, emotional, and powerful performances—ranging from Panic! At The Disco to Lady Gaga—each one highlighting the chorus’s commitment to storytelling through music. Williams’s inclusion of a traditional operatic number brought depth and a fresh contrast to the setlist, showing that queer artistry thrives across all musical forms.
The Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay has long been known for blending high artistry with community engagement, and Williams’s performance was a clear reflection of that mission. As the concert ended, his “Toreador Song” stood as a testament not only to vocal skill but to the ability of classical music to evolve and inspire in new cultural contexts.
In a night all about honoring names, identities, and the power behind them, Johnny Williams made his own name unforgettable.