Testimonials
Serenades Choral
“Maestro David Hayes brings the knowledge of classical conductors before him to a contemporary singer’s understanding which makes the experience priceless. I have recently sung under the direction of David Hayes with the group Serenades Choral’s Sicily program 2019. This was my second tour singing with the group which he also is guest conductor. As a singer, I have a constant undercurrent desire that I hope to never lose which is to continue to learn and experience my craft on different levels. David Hayes is a conductor that continually urges you to think, feel, and listen on a higher level, theoretically and literally, and to be inspired while singing; regardless of one’s singing level or professional experience. If you allow yourself to trust his guidance and unwavering instructions, a beautiful sound, color, and tone will emerge to give the audience a connection and inspiration.
– Mary Burch
One of David’s most distinguishing attributes is his recognition of the individual’s tone that the singer produces, encouraging it and bringing it out resulting in a beautiful sound. He’s not an unforgiving task master but his discipline is realized in staying close and true to the composer’s vision and intention in the musical piece. He is a maestro as he stays true to the uncompromising story and beauty of the composition, the feeling behind the music; thus making the performance timeless.”
Conductor David Hayes possesses the rare combination of outstanding musical talent, artistic integrity, and steady leadership, who I have seen handle first hand, for almost 3 decades, very complicated professional music making situations, be they in operatic, symphonic, chamber or choral settings. He naturally creates an atmosphere of artistic trust completely void of ego, so as to relentlessly drive those he works with to achieve musical excellence. In recent years I have also had the pleasure of working with him during our choral and cultural program in Europe; not only is he a gracious and open-minded colleague, but, he naturally connects interpersonally with our participants, be they amateur or professional singers. Working with David Hayes, one of the leading conductors of his generation, is pure joy.
– Paulo Faustini, Founder & Artistic Director, SERENADES Choral Travel
Rehearsing singers at Santa Maria alla Rotonda
A last minute check before the first Serenades Choral 2019 Sicily concert at Madonna del Carmine Church