MARY MANUEL'S CHOICE IS BRAHMS INTERMEZZO FOR HER FIRST CLASSICAL RELEASE

MARY MANUEL’S first recording for release is in the Classical genre

Brahms Intermezzo Opus 118 No. 1

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Ms. Manuel started playing the piano when she was 6 years old and has continued up to the present time. Down the road a ways in her journey she would study music and obtain her Bachelor of Music Education and Performance degree from Ithaca College. Soon thereafter, she would begin teaching private piano lessons and also teaching in the classroom at the Catholic High School, that she attended as a child. Her private lessons filled up rapidly, which is not hard to believe if you’ve ever had a conversation with Mary. Her warmth and organization skills are unparalleled.

While teaching, both in school and privately, she pursued her master”s degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Once graduating her private lessons grew and she would also proceed to teach nearly every grade level in the public school system. At the close of directing students and accompanying choirs at her final school concert in the Penfield Central School District (in the suburbs of Rochester, NY), she received a 3 minute standing ovation from the audience. She was loved by the students, her colleagues, and parents alike. Her smile, and natural warmth and charm are infectious. She was receiving the deserved accolades from her years of dedication.

Now retired from teaching, she has plunged back into playing piano - a love she has always had. She tends to be shy, and to some degree, afraid to perform in front of others, despite having accompanied many throughout the past 30 years. But, as other pianists will tell you, that is very different than performing solo piano, and yet, accompanying other musicians and choirs is a delicate and intuitive skill one must possess to be successful as well. Mary does not possess a competitive nature, nor will you ever hear her boast. Presently she has entered a new phase of her life and career, playing, accompanying, recording, and limited live performances.

Her husband, Garry Manuel, encouraged her to record. After all, their son, Marshall, is a gifted recording engineer, so all the stars were aligning. Garry nudged her saying, “Why not record? Your genuine warmth and gentle spirit come through in your playing. Why not lend this positive gift to others?” And so, it has begun - with the first of many recordings to come for Mary Manuel.