Album Notes

Janet Marie Chvatal and Marc Gremm recently took the European Musical Theatre world by storm in the world-premiere musical "LUDWIG". The musical, with set and costume designs by Broadway legend, Michael Curry, is based upon the life of King Ludwig of Bavaria and the Empress of Austria and featured Janet and Marc in leading roles. The theatre sits directly across from one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions, the renowned Neuschwanstein Castle, in which Walt Disney found his inspiration for Sleeping Beauty.

At Boston University Janet studied under Robert Gartside and attended master classes with Leonard Bernstein and Jose Van Dam. She graduated from Boston University summa cum laude. Supported by a Rotary Foundation Scholarship, Janet travelled to Europe on to study Opera at the Hochschule fuer Musik in Vienna. She won two international vocal competitions and moved to Paris for an apprenticeship with French coloratura, Mady Mesple. Her professional debut in the longest running musical on Broadway, "The Fantastiks", was followed by leading roles in Opera and concerts with symphony orchestras throughout Europe. She made her Vienna debut as Christine in Andrew Lloyd- Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera".

For the past decade, Janet has appeared in the United States and Canada in Duo with Portland's renowned classical guitarist, Scott Kritzer, including highlight performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and in the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany. The Duo also appeared in Gala performances with the stars of Riverdance and the Cirque du Soleil.

Janet currently appears on television, radio, and in print media in six countries across Europe, and has recorded with BMG and SONY records. She has appeared in commercials for both Nike and Adidas, and recently appeared as a special guest with pop star singer/composer Gino Vannelli at the Montreal Jazz Festival and in an all-star Gala with The Gypsy Kings.

Marc Gremm, after completing his degree for a career as a math and sports teacher, turned his interests to singing and quickly established himself as one of Europe's leading Musical Baritones. His music studies include master classes and private lessons with legendary Baritones Leo Nucci and Wolfgang Brendel, Soprano Eva Randova and Carol Mayo, and in the U.S. with Thomas R. Blaylock. Following roles in German productions of Secret Garden, Charlie Brown and Dance of the Vampires, Marc landed his dream role as the evil Chief of Police, Javer, in "Les Miserables". Marc has appeared on German and Swiss Television and in Gala performances with Orchestra and fellow Musical star soloists.

Marc recently released his CD "Bella Notte", which is now available on CD Baby. The CD also features italian tenor Bruno Grassini, well-known for his unforgettable interpretation of leading roles in "Elizabeth", "Dance of the Vampires", "Jekyll and Hyde" and "Ludwig".