Take a look at this surprising 2.5-minute video and watch two country music singers perform an epic rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” an opera classic. This contradictory clip is a delight!

As the video begins, Austin Brown and Rob Lundquist enter a building and walk directly toward the front. Given the white walls, rows of cushioned chairs positioned snuggly together, and the stained glass, it appears to be a church sanctuary, and they seem to be approaching the altar. 

Austin removes his cowboy hat and Rob his cap, and they briefly hold them to their chests. Perhaps in tribute or to make an offering to the musical greats of another genre? 

They discard their headwear, and, in an instant, the two have changed out of t-shirts and jeans and into black suits and ties. They’ve lost their country duds and are outfitted for a classical music performance!

The selection is “Nessun Dorma.” The song is an aria. In other words, “Nessun Dorma” is a solo vocal piece found in an opera. Only here, there are two singing it. The words “nessun dorma” are translated in English to “let no one sleep.” 

Note one is expressed at 16 seconds, and there is no false start or easing into this strange, unfamiliar musical territory for the two members of a cappella group Home Free. Rob begins the first solo at 29 seconds, looking a smidge like a young Pavarotti, and high tenor Austin begins his first at 58 seconds. 

Each takes another turn before coming together to finish the song. Even those without an affection for opera will appreciate the magnificence of the piece and the range that the two artists obviously possess!

Home Free was founded in 2001 in the heart of the U.S.A. in Mankato, Minnesota. Here, two of the five current members are singing a song from Turandot, an opera about a Chinese princess, completed by Italian composer Franco Alfano in 1926, and based on one of seven stories written by a Persian poet in the 12th century. Go figure! 

The story behind the opera and the song is one of death, power, hatred, and love. In a nutshell, Princess Turandot does not want to marry Calaf, but she will have to if she can’t figure out his name. Yes, it’s odd that she doesn’t already know it. Turandot tells her subjects that none are to sleep until they’ve come up with the name. If they fall asleep before the task is done, they will be killed. Heavy stuff!

“Nessun Dorma” is quite different from Home Free’s usual, lighter fare—songs like “When Will I Be Loved” and “Man of Constant Sorrow.” But, whether Austin and Rob are singing a cappella, country, or opera, they do it well! 

And, just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a crooner by his clothes!  

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” Leviticus 19:15