News Release

David Glen Hatch and Company Tour South Africa

David Glen Hatch, a renowned pianist from Orem, Utah, USA, began his tour of South African on 1 August 2013, bringing with him seven of his accomplished world-class students. He and his group had a trail of appearances in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

Hatch has performed as a soloist and guest artist with symphony orchestras in over 36 countries on 5 continents; he has had 5 Grammy Nominations including a Grammy Nominee for his most recent album, “Movie Masterpieces.”  This was his first ever live performance in South Africa.  The tour was a great success and a memorable experience for his group, as well as those who were able to attend the performances.   

Although he is primarily a classical artist, some say his niche is his inspirational piano arrangements of Christian, Patriotic, Christmas, and Contemporary favourites.

Those travelling with Hatch include:  Derek Banks, Nathan Smith, Lauren Adja Park, Ammon Bratt, Greggory Ellis, Cortney Pace, and Marianne Dymond.  They added personality and interest to each of the performances with their complete mastery of the piano.  David Glen Hatch and Company are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Concerts were held at the US Embassy in Johannesburg, the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, the Chatsworth Youth Centre in Durban, and the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Cape Town.  The concert at the Linder Auditorium was held to commemorate “Women’s Day” on 9 August.  In Durban the Concert at the Chatsworth Youth Centre was held as a benefit in conjunction with a wheelchair handover sponsored by Lotus FM Radio and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the “Mormons”).   

In addition to the concerts, the Hatch group put on several performances at Mormon chapels in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.  These events not only included Hatch’s beautiful arrangements of favourite Christian songs by he and his company, but were enhanced by his spiritual messages of the power of good music.  He stated, “For me, music must communicate, must inspire, and must touch the soul.  Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, and flows from Heaven to the soul.”

There are no words to describe the magnitude of what Hatch did on stage – the magic that flowed from his hands as he touched the piano keys was felt by the hearts of all who heard.   His music is a testimony that brings gentleness to the world.

The David Glen Hatch tour was hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The tour was supported by Classic FM, Beeld Newspaper, Linder Auditorium, Lotus FM Radio, Rising Sun Newspaper, Chatsworth Youth Centre, and Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium.

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