Music to bridge “generation” gap between classical and popular music

 

A product of the the singing traditions of the East Coast and Western Michigan, Mark Vanden Berge is an exceptional vocalist of range, musical style and delivery. Early career credits include numerous engagements with the Washington DC and Wolftrap Opera companies, as well as regional apprentice artist programs. In larger venues, he has performed in backup roles to such luminaries as Todd Rundgren, Kenny Rogers and Placido Domingo.

 

While VandenBerge is a classically trained singer in the tradition of Irish tenors such as John McCormack, he brings a easy styling that translates well to the pop stage. Many who have heard one of the tribute performances comment on what a “dead-ringer” he is for both looks and sound quality of Morrison himself.

 

He is a frequent soloist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, having appeared with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, the Calvin College Alumni Choir, Chamber chorus and oratorio societies. In bringing the fully-orchestrated music of Van Morrison to concert settings, VandenBerge has displayed a rare artistic sensibility of bringing 15-20 of Morrison’s iconic songs, and the list grows as the production responds to the marketplace.

 

Due to Van Morrison being obscured in recent decades and appealing more rock’s refined listener, Mark desires to present Morrison as an artist of unique vision, perhaps unparalleled in popular music. He has collaborated with Ed Clifford, flutist/ saxophonist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, to bring these select number of tunes to audiences, giving them a chance to hear Van Morrison in the elevated light he so richly deserves and fans deeply love.

 

Some of Morrison’s eye-popping musical accomplishments include the following:

• Brown-eyed Girl, Top #5 most played songs in radio history

• Into the Mystic, Voted the most popular love song in rock-n-roll history

• Have I Told You Lately?, In top #3 most requested songs for DJ bridal dances

• Moondance, Standard song in the modern bible of all jazz musicians

• Van at the Movies, Entire CD comprised entirely of original songs used in movie soundtracks

• Produced over 45 albums and 700 original songs