An Evening with Mark Hayes

“Mark Hayes is like a diamond cutter.  He sees the beauty in music, makes all the right cuts to expose the brilliance.” Michael Gross – Artistic Director of the BeckRidge Chorale is talking about composer, arranger and pianist Mark Hayes. Hayes will be the special guest of the BeckRidge Chorale on Saturday, May 14^th, 2011 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, May 15^th, at 4:00 PM.  Both concerts take place at Northville High School in Northville, Michigan. “We have been performing Mark’s music for over 30 years. He has such a unique and beautiful gift.  We were thrilled when he accepted our invitation the lead the chorale and orchestra through some of his work.” Mark Hayes is known for his “American Sound.”  From jazz and gospel to more traditional settings, Hayes is comfortable in nearly every genre of music. Hayes is a Dove Award winning composer. Audiences will not only experience Hayes at the podium, he is equally as impressive at the piano. “We have rented two 7’ Yamaha grand pianos for Mark’s appearance. I asked him to play one of his original compositions – Air in F Major with cello and his piano duet – Improvisation on Ode to Joy.  Nancy Whitecar, Accompanist and Assistant Director of the chorale will play the second piano in the duet.  Air in F Major is a beautifully simple and a lyrical melding of piano and cello.  Ode to Joy is rhythmic exuberance and energy,” Gross added.  The program will include sacred and secular compositions.  From arrangements of Over the Rainbow and Summertime, Hayes will also demonstrate his love of gospel music with settings of O Happy Day and Swingin’ With the Saints. Tickets for An Evening with Mark Hayes are available at www.beckridgechorale.org or by calling 888.459.4887 (press #1). 

Mark Hayes will be busy during his visit to Plymouth and Canton.  On Thursday, May 12, 2011, he will hold a piano workshop for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth.  On Friday, May 13, 2011, he will lead choral workshops at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park and Northville High School.  On Sunday morning, May 15, 2011 he will be the musical guest at Plymouth First United Methodist Church.

When Hayes leaves Plymouth, he heads to New York for the world-premiere of his latest work - American Spirit.  American Spirit will premiere at Lincoln Center on Memorial Day weekend.