“Peter Danish has a natural charisma for song. His compositional style is both personal and unique, universal and familiar. His beautiful melodies transcend the simple yet rich texts into everlasting prayers. Rita Harvey's performance is brilliant. She conquered the challenging task of crossing over Danish's mixture of Broadway flair and Metropolitan austerity, adjusting her flawless technique and effortless musicianship accordingly” - Yiannis Hadjiloizou, Conductor Athens Philharmonic
“Simple Prayers” is a lush mix of new and familiar melodies and texts, from many of the world’s faiths. Rita Harvey’s voice is clear as a bell. Whether you are a person of faith, or not, the songs are a soothing respite for our times.” - Elliott Forrest, WQXR Radio
“"Holy moly! Bravo! The whole thing is 'effin' superb!"” - Will Berger, Metropolitan Opera Radio Host, WNYC
“"Just beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!"” - Classical Crossover Magazine
“It is lovely to play some small part in such a wonderful, creative, uplifting endeavor! We need to feel connected in a positive way, which is why I wrote "An Invitation" in the first place.” - Stephanie Blythe, Opera Star
“Simple Prayers” is a collection of great new songs that give us the true spirit of this very special holiday! ’Invitation to Sing’ is one of my favorite songs on this new CD by Peter Danish and it truly enhances this ’Little Light of Mine’ during these testing times! ” - Tenor, Mario Frangoulis
SIMPLE PRAYERS FOR CHALLENGING TIMES
By Rita Harvey and Peter Danish
Rita Harvey (star of Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on The Roof, Next to Normal, etc.) has teamed up this holiday season with author and composer (and BWW.com Classical Music Critic) Peter Danish for an incredibly special new CD.
“Simple Prayers for Challenging Times” a collection of short prayers from numerous different faiths set to original music by Danish and performed by Rita Harvey – will be released December 1st.
“We were both seeking a creative outlet during this crazy stressful time and this idea was a godsend. It just seemed like something we could share with absolutely everyone, and hopefully bring a little much needed solace to everybody this holiday season.” said Danish. The CD contains original compositions and a few traditionals in fresh arrangements including sacred Catholic, Jewish, Baptist, Arabic, Orthodox Christian and other faiths’ texts.
“I was honored and overjoyed to be asked to lend a voice to this project. Peter’s music and ideas were so inspired and beautiful, it was like a healing balm to get to sing. I also love that we included prayers from many different traditions, to show that we are all unified in our search for peace,” said Harvey.
The album features some special guest artists, including Yiannis Hadjiloizou, the musical director of the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, and legendary Metropolitan Opera Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Blythe contributed the lyrics to one of the tracks. And noted engineer Frank D. Fagnano (The Hit Factory, Tony’s Bennett Studios) mixed and mastered the CD.
“These truly are challenging times. Many of us are sometimes at a loss as to what we can do to get through, to feel hope, to help in some way. Random acts of kindness, a comforting word, and inspired art can lift us out of darkness. We hope this music, and simple, yet profound prayers, can pass along some comfort and light to you,” added Harvey.
Rita has performed with Michael Crawford, Bernadette Peters, Alfred Molina, Harvey Fierstein and Rosie O’Donnell, among others. Danish is an Amzaon.com #1 best-selling author of two novels: “The Tenor,” and “Medjugorje,” as well the award-wining play “The Final Days of Wolfe Tone” and the upcoming musicals: “The Flying Dutchman” and “La Paloma.” He has composed for and recorded with Metropolitan Opera legend Aprille Millo.
The first featured single, entitled: “An Invitation to Sing,” is based on a poem: “An Invitation” by Stephanie Blythe. Said Danish: “When I read the poem the very first time, I actually heard the music. The song came into being, complete in one sitting. That kind of inspiration is very rare! And I was just ecstatic that Stephanie loved the song!” “It is lovely to play some small part in such a wonderful, creative, uplifting endeavor!” said Blythe.
www.ritaharvey.com or www.peterdanish.com.
For further information or interviews:
CONTACT: Peter Danish peter@danishmediagroup.com (845)480-2273
Press Photos
Sample Track