St. Armands church brings classical music fusion to the masses

By Dana Kampa
| 5:30 a.m. August 22, 2025

Stephanie McCranie, Derek Roura, Chris Romeo and Jolanda Nel perform as the Klassika Ensemble on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Rev. Kenneth Blyth joked with the audience at a concert that people don't walk away from a service whistling the sermon.

The church utilized the power of music to bring people together on Aug. 19 in the newly renovated music hall.

The Klassika Ensemble performed as the third of four acts comprising the free Midsummer Concert Series the church is hosting.

Chris Romeo, Stephanie McCranie, Jolanda Nel and Derek Roura blend classical music with popular tunes, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and Mariah Carey's "Hero."

Chris Romeo and Jolanda Nel of the Klassika Ensemble sing a duet at the Aug. 19 performance at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

Nel framed the evening's set as an exploration of love, be it compassionate, complicated or hopeful. More than anything though, she emphasized with the final song of "Time to Say Goodbye" that love will always return.

The group included a blend of duets and ensemble pieces for the show that evening, even incorporating some Italian and Spanish lyrics. A highlight was a combined performance of John Legend's "All of Me" between the gentlemen, with Roura on the piano.

Partway through the show, Klassika bumped up the tempo with a light-hearted rendition of Billy Joel's "Piano Man," thanking listeners for turning out in such strong numbers on a summer weeknight.

"It's a pretty good crowd for a Tuesday," Roura sang with a nod.

Chris Romeo lends his tenor tones to the Klassika Ensemble for the third Midsummer Concert Series performance on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

Near the end of the show, McCranie and Nel spectacularly displayed their operatic prowess through Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up," dancing through the song's high notes.

The four said they appreciated the energy audience members brought to the church that evening and enjoyed the choreography options available with the layout of the renovated hall.

"It's a gorgeous space, and they have a fantastic piano," McCranie said. "We were very lucky to perform here."

Derek Roura, singing with Stephanie McCranie, later had audiences laughing with his upbeat take on Billy Joel's "Piano Man."

The group has performed locally and internationally, including stops in Ireland and South Africa. Since forming the quartet, they have found satisfaction in exploring various genres and styles.

"As vocalists, we're so different, but to come together as a quartet is such a joy," she added.

Romeo said the evening's setlist featured some of their greatest hits, and they were glad to offer some classical influence for listeners to enjoy.

Roura added that it was a highlight of the evening to see so many crowd members join in with singing "Piano Man."

Attendees Jan Braun and Elke Lanphar said they were thrilled with the Midsummer Concert Series performance by the Klassika Ensemble on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

"Anytime a crowd is that engaged, it tells me that I'm doing something right," he said.

Attendees Jan Braun and Elke Lanphar said they greatly enjoyed the Klassika show.

"It was wonderful," Lanphar said. "I'm a member here, and I think this was the best music program I have seen yet."

Klassika has an upcoming performance scheduled for Nov. 23 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Venice. Visit KlassikaShow.com for updates on shows and more about the band.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.