Mark Cheyne - Composer / Producer / Musical Director

For over 20 years Mark Cheyne has enjoyed a diverse career as a music composer, producer, arranger and director. He has composed and produced numerous soundtracks for TV and radio commercials as well as corporate events for clients including ABSA, Coca-Cola, Emperors Palace, First National Bank, Goldcrest, Mercedes-Benz, Plascon & Sasol. He received a Loerie Craft Award for his work on the launch of the BMW 7 Series in 2002. Mark has performed as musical director for numerous stage shows, concerts and corporate events for many of South Africa’s leading companies including Altron, Discovery, EOH, Italtile, Massmart, MTN, Momentum, Nedbank, Netcare, Samsung, SAP, Standard Bank and Vodacom.

He is one of South Africa’s most prolific music arrangers having scored hundreds of pieces for orchestra. Mark is the Musical Director of the Electric Pops Orchestra, which he formed in 1998. This versatile group fuses modern pop music genres with the sound of a symphony orchestra, and has performed with many of South Africa’s biggest stars including Arno Carstens, Elvis Blue, Johnny Clegg, Just Jinjer, Karen Zoid, Lira, Loyiso Bala, Mi Casa, Monark, Pretty Yende, Prime Circle, Sibongile Khumalo, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Five albums produced by Mark have received nominations for South African Music Awards. He has recorded many of South Africa’s leading vocalists, groups, choirs and orchestras including Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, Lloyd Cele, Zolani Mahola, Gauteng Choristers, Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society, Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. For audio and video clips go to www.aaross.co.za YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdRxS6vcLXm7jmgXi3Dzg9A

For more info contact: c 082 939 2863 t +2711 886 8203 mark@aaross.co.za

Highlights: 2020

• 38th Asian Racing Conference opening ceremony performance featuring the Ndlovu Youth Choir - Musical Director

• 38th Asian Racing Conference closing ceremony performance featuring Lira, Joseph Clark, Given Nkosi, Lunga Hallam and Busisiwe Ngejane - musical director and arrangements

• ‘There is a Place’ Londolozi promo video - composed soundtrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxQPGXwUu90&t=32s

• Steers conference - opening performance featuring Just 6, Morgan Beatbox, Nathan Smith and Kristel Birkholtz

• Liberty jingles featuring Craig Urbani, Mariechan Luiters - composer & producer

Highlights: 2019

• Italtile 50th Birthday Celebration event feat. Ard Matthews, PJ Powers, Josh Ansley, Boki Ntsime, Kanyi Nokwe & Debbie Rakusin dancers - musical director and arrangements

• ‘Londolozi Pioneer Camp’ promo video - composed soundtrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epn5M9Hu_eo&t=22s

• Vodacom CEO Awards show featuring the Tailormade Group dancers, Dantanio Goodman and Veronique Lalouette - produced tracks https://www.facebook.com/TailormadegroupSA/videos/3209888729030332

• Africa Celebrates (University of Limpopo Choristers & the KZNPO) album - producer & arranger https://music.apple.com/za/album/africa-celebrates/1490407954

• ‘RMB Starlight Classics’ shows and broadcast (M-Net / DSTV) – musical arrangements

• Nedbank Conference - produced original song featuring Monde Msutwana

• Nedbank Card launch - performance track & musical direction

• Nedbank Top Achievers Awards event gala dinner show featuring the Tailormade Group dancers, Tarryn Lamb, Richard Stirton and The Muses - musical director and tracks

• PSG Conference Gala Event - performance tracks

• Flight Center event - composed performance piece

• Coca-Cola event - performance track featuring Lira

• KZNPO ‘Starlight Pop Opera Concert’ - arrangements for full orchestra & choir

• Avon - Gala dinner show performance featuring the Tailormade Group Dancers, Corlea Botha, Craig Urbani & Londiwe Dhlomo-Dlamini - musical director and tracks

• MMI corporate video - composed soundtrack

Highlights: 2018

• Vodacom CEO Awards Show featuring the Tailormade Group Dancers, Leah, Craig Lucas, Leota, Lelo Ramisimong & Saarkie - musical director, produced tracks and arrangements https://www.facebook.com/TailormadegroupSA/videos/797038627444272

• Lebo M Revelations show (Australia) - arrangements for full orchestra & choir

• Nedbank Cup Event with live broadcast - composed performance piece

• ‘RMB Starlight Classics’ shows and broadcast (M-Net / DSTV) - arranged numerous songs for large orchestra and choir

• Mercedes-Benz Menlyn launch - performed with the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Londolozi Game Reserve promo videos - composed & produced soundtracks:

- Awaken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MScbzq37UIE&t=17s

- Private Granite Suites https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7dW1bOF2V4&t=10s

- Varty Camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syvn1BwPh58 - Healing House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaL55Z4yRGY&t=31s - Delicious Moments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs53rIDL1JE

• Nedbank Top Achievers Awards event gala dinner show featuring the Tailormade Group dancers, Corlea Botha, Craig Urbani & Londiwe Dhlomo-Dlamini - musical director and performance tracks

• ‘Africa Identify Yourself’ album (University of Limpopo Choristers) accompanied by a chamber orchestra - producer and arranger which received a SAMA nomination for Best Classical / Instrumental Album https://music.apple.com/za/album/africa-identify-yourself/1442330762

• KZNPO ‘Starlight Pop Opera Concert’ - arrangements for full orchestra & choir

• Sasol event - composed soundtrack for live performance piece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN8jaJAMfsM

Highlights: 2017

• Divas of Kofifi concert (Arts Alive Festival) which featured Abigail Kubeka & Dorothy Masuka

• Wimpy 50th Birthday gala banquet event which featured Claire Johnston, Ard Matthews & Just Jinjer, Kurt Darren, Zolani Mahola, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse & the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Side by Side show which featured Joseph Clark, Samantha Peo, Jannie Moolman, Yolandi Nortjie and the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Composed and produced Qhubeka KubaKuba with Monde Msutwana, the theme song for pro cycling Team Dimension Data, which was used at the Riders’ Presentation Ceremony in Düsseldorf, Germany, and was broadcast internationally https://music.apple.com/za/album/qhubeka-kubakuba-feat-monde-msutwana-single/1248024451

• Musical Director for the Vodacom CEO Awards events which featured Cici, Richard Stirton, Lloyd Cele & Charlize Berg

• Produced and scored all musical arrangements for the album Matimba ya Vuyimbeleri by the University of Limpopo Choristers and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra which received SAMA nomination - Best Classical / Instrumental Album https://music.apple.com/za/album/matimba-ya-vuyimbeleri/1230590658

• Arranged and produced the album Khisimusi – Christmas in Africa by Gauteng Choristers https://music.apple.com/za/album/khisimusi-christmas-in-africa/1320205192

Highlights: 2016

• Produced and scored all musical arrangements for the album And Then I Heard a Voice by SJ Khosa by Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society which was nominated for a South African Music Award in the Best Classical / Instrumental Album category https://music.apple.com/za/album/and-

then-i-heard-a-voice/1178396830

• Massmart Citation Awards banquet featuring Freshlyground, Monark and Mi Casa with string orchestra

• Arrangements for Starlight Classics including ‘Ladies in Lavender’ performed by Joshua Bell

• EOH Year End events with the Electric Pops Orchestra which featured Zubz, Nomfusi, Nathan Smith, Samantha Peo and Monde Msutwana (combined audience over 4 events exceeded 8000)

• Musical arrangements and direction for the stage musical Divas of Kofifi which premiered at the Market Theatre in August 2016, and featured Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka and Thandi Klaasen (her last public appearance)

• Composed soundtrack for Leopards of Londolozi video which to date has over 40000 views https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnmveTWCJxw

• Produced and scored all musical arrangements for the album Mahlori ya Londolozi with the Mkhuhlu Chorale & the Electric Pops Orchestra in collaboration with the Londolozi Game Reserve and Dr Reuel J Khoza https://music.apple.com/za/album/s-j-khosa-mahlori-ya-londolozi/1178395503

• Arrangements for Starlight Pop Opera with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

• Arrangements for Starlight Classics with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra

• Italtile Awards 2016 gala banquet event which featured Vicky Sampson, Monde Msutwana, Melissa Allison, and the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Composed and produced company theme songs for Tupperware and Avroy Shlain

• Noshcon 2016 gala banquet which featured Joseph Clark, Yollandi Nortjie and the EPO

Highlights: 2015

• First National Bank Leadership Conference - composed opening video soundtrack which featured Nathan Smith (guitar), David Klaasen (drums) and Yolandi Nortjie (soprano)

• Mercedes V-Class Launch - composed original score and musical direction

• Producer and musical arrangements for the double album Mintirho ya SJ Khosa by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra which was nominated for a South African Music Award in the Best Classical / Instrumental Album category https://music.apple.com/za/album/mintirho-ya-sj-khosa-instrumental/1058772442

• Composed and produced corporate song for Swissgarde featuring Monde Msutwana

• Composed and produced corporate song for Tupperware featuring Tracey-Lee Oliver

• Edited & mixed the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony Concert Season

Highlights: 2014

• Samsung Galaxy S5 Launch which featured the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Massmart Citation Awards banquet which featured The Parlotones, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse

• Castrol Awards banquet featuring Vicky Samson, Joseph Clark and Samantha Peo

• VW Grand Prix Awards event which featured Brandon October, Martin Cito Otto, Dewald Louw and the Mzansi Youth Choir

• Italtile Victory Awards banquet which featured Charlize Berg, Lloyd Cele, Joseph Clark, Samantha Peo, the Code Red drumming ensemble as well as Debbie Rakusin & dancers

• PlatAfrica gala dinner for Anglo Platinum which featured Simphiwe Dana and Mi Casa

• Sasol Awards gala dinner which featured Candis Angelene, Joseph Clark & the EPO

• Composed and produced a corporate song for The Johannesburg Roads Agency

• Arranged 48 works by SJ Khosa & recorded the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

• Composed and produced corporate songs for Avroy Shlain and Tupperware

• String arrangements for The Muses album Pop on Strings 3

Highlights: 2013

• Musical director for the Jennifer Rush SA Tour with the Drakensberg Boys Choir & Romanz

• Discovery Leadership event with string orchestra and Prime Circle

• MTN Y’ello Stars Event, BUCO launch, Telkom GCEO events

• Composed score for Tata Aria & truck launch at the Joburg International Motor Show

• Midas Convention gala banquet featuring Arno Carstens, Claire Johnston and Loyiso Bala

• Musical arrangement for the Mercedes S-Class Launch

• String arrangements for The Muses Album Pop on Strings 2

• Original music for Emperors Palace 15th Birthday commercials

• Original music for Plascon TV commercial

• Corporate songs for Protea Chemicals, Avroy Shlain, Tupperware and Swissgarde

• String arrangements for the Soweto String Quartet & Prime Circle

Highlights: 2012

• Musical Director for Skouspel Onder die Sterre at the KKNK Festival with artists including Nianell, Romanz, Nicholis Louw, Coenie de Villiers, Charlize Berg, Andriette Norman, Suzanne Rentske, Elvis Blue, Mark Haze, Dewald Louw, Bianca Le Grange, Willem Botha and Kevin Leo as well as the Mzanzi Youth Choir and the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Massmart Citation Awards Gala Banquet featuring Lira, Craig Hinds & Watershed, ChianoSky, Dozi, Paige Mac & Sterling EQ

• Viva! Queen at the Port Elizabeth Opera House featuring Angela Killian, Cito, Thai classical crossover group Viva! with the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

• Altron Annual Awards concert featuring The Soweto Gospel Choir, Romanz, Nianell, Tracey-Lee Oliver and Lindiwe Bungane with the Electric Pops Orchestra

• German Chamber of Commerce - 60th Anniversary Celebration gala banquet featuring Timothy Moloi, Samantha Peo, Haley Francis Christian and Andrew Webster

• Sasol Long Service Awards gala banquets with the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Netcare Night of the Stars event

• Soundtracks for TV & radio commercials for ABSA, Noot vir Noot, Marlin Lodge and Chery

• Brand theme music for Emperors Palace resort and casino

• Arrangements for The Muses album Pop on Strings

• Arrangements for Starlight Classics with Richard Cock / Johannesburg Festival Orchestra

• Theme songs for Avroy Shlain and Tupperware which featured Lloyd Cele

• Beethoven – The Complete Symphony’s CD set - The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (final mix and mastering)

Highlights: 2011

• Massmart Citation Awards gala banquet featuring Prime Circle, Jamali, Ard Matthews, Vusi Mahlasela, Louise Carver & Karen Zoid and the Mzanzi Youth Choir

• Vodacom CEO Awards gala banquet which featured opera star Pretty Yende and the EPO

• Coca-Cola Conference gala banquet which featured Timothy Moloi, Juanita Kruger, Gloria Bosman and the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Bond Show for Old Mutual which featured Elvis Blue, Lloyd Cele, Vicky Sampson & Samantha Peo

• Car of the Year event which included original music composed for the reveal of the winner

• KKNK Huisgenoot Pops concert which featured the EPO with Nianell, Romanz, Anna Davel, Jannie Moolman, Corlea Botha and James Bhemgee

• BMW 6 Series convertible launch

• Various TV commercials for brands including ABSA and Emperors Palace

• Corporate songs for Tupperware, Avroy Shlain and Swissgarde

Highlights: 2010

• Producer and arrangements for The Boundless Music of the Soul Brothers album by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, which received a SAMA Award nomination

• Composed various soundtracks for TV and radio commercials for brands including Emperors Palace, ABSA, Goldcrest and Crosse & Blackwell

• Corporate songs for Tupperware, Swissgarde and Avroy Shlain

• Discovery Prestige Gala Banquet with Lira, Sibongile Khumalo and Abigail Kubeka

• Momentum Longevity shows with Andre Schwartz, Juanita Kruger and Garth Barnes

• Momentum Gala Banquet featuring Johnny Clegg and orchestra

• Saphila Conference gala banquet with Prime Circle and string orchestra

• Musical Director for Viva! pop opera group in Bangkok, Thailand

• First National Bank Financial Planners roadshow which featured West End and Broadway star Amra-Faye Wright, Vicky Sampson and Craig Urbani

• Queen at the Opera performance with Vicky Sampson, Kate Normington & Duncan Royce

• MTN Y’ello Stars event at the Johannesburg City Hall with the Gauteng Choristers

• Italtile Awards gala banquet with Juanita Kruger, Candis Angelene & Gaaba Motho Tenors

Highlights: 2009

• Composed & produced Emperors Palace brand theme song Palazzo dei Sogni

• Soundtrack for numerous TV & radio commercials for brands including ABSA, TATA, Chery & Emperors Palace

• Recorded Giselle for Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra for ballet performances

• Full orchestra arrangements for Starlight Classics for Rand Merchant Bank

• Co-composed and produced Candis Angelene’s debut album Ancient Light which reached no.3 on the Classic FM local countdown

• Corporate theme songs for Tupperware, Swissgarde and Avroy Shlain

• Musical director and arrangements for Aquabba show at the Aqua Festival at the Cape Town Waterfront, which featured Amra-Faye Wright, Craig Urbani, Chrissy Caine and Jody with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

• Musical Director and arrangements for A New Day musical extravaganza at Carnival City which featured Joseph Clark and Jamali

• AmaOpera for a Standard Bank corporate at the Johannesburg City Hall

• Musical Director for gala banquet for 1500 traffic officials (RTMC) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre which featured the Electric Pops Orchestra

• The Winner Takes it All ABBA corporate show which featured Heinz Winckler, Craig Urbani, Samantha Peo and Angela Killian and the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Productivity SA gala banquet which featured the Electric Pops Orchestra

•

Highlights: 2008

• Soundtracks for TV Commercials for brands including ABSA, Coke & Emperors Palace

• Producer for the Soweto Opera Quadro album Brothers in Song

• Producer for album for New York performing artist & celebrity Christine Pedi

• Soundtrack for ABSA Amazing Race production for employees

• Corporate songs for Swissgarde, Tupperware and Avroy Shlain

• Produced backing tracks for Old Mutual corporate incentives show in Bali

• Soundtrack for Coca-Cola Football Stars TVC promo

• Arranged scores for the Joy of Jazz opening concert featuring the music of Hugh Masekela and the Union of South Africa featuring the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra

• EPO performance at Vodacom Business Launch event

• Queen at the Opera corporate show for Debonaire’s Pizza

• Rat Pack shows for Old Mutual featuring New York singer Patrick Tobin

• EPO Performances for Anglo Platinum, Italtile and Mutual & Federal

• Swing Show for Nashua Mobile Year End Event with 22 piece big band

Highlights: 2007

• Composed and produced soundtracks for numerous TV Commercials for brands including ABSA, Canola, Colgate, Tata, Plascon and Coke

• Composed and produced theme music for Coca-Cola Football Stars (e-TV)

• Composed and produced theme music for Soul City Lives (SABC 1)

• Mercedes C-Class Launch – composed reveal music performed by the EPO

• Corporate song for Tupperware SA

• Musical director for The 12 Days of Christmas - SABC 2 Christmas special which featured André Schwartz, Gloria Bosman, Candis Angelene and the Cantare Children’s choir

• Car of the Year event which featured the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Amaopera corporate show for Massmart

• Daimler Chrysler Finance event which featured the EPO, Freshlyground and Johnny Clegg

• MTN Dance of Life Corporate show with the EPO which featured Samantha Peo, Craig Urbani, Bo Denim and the Soweto Opera Quadro

Highlights: 2006

• Soundtrack for ABSA World Cup Soccer and other ABSA TVC’s

• Soundtrack for Coke Summer of Your Life TV commercial

• Soundtrack for international SAB Miller corporate video

• Soundtrack for Nestle Community Nutrition Awards

• Soundtrack for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality corporate video

• Musical Director for Queen at the Ballet presented at the Spier Amphitheatre in Feb 2006

• Swing Show with Joseph Clark for Sappi banquet event

• Edcon Golden Hearts Awards banquet event

• Midas gala banquet awards event at Sun City Superbowl

• First National Bank banquet event at Sun City Royal Ballroom

• SAB Miller Suppliers banquet event

Highlights: 2005

• Incorporated Aaross Music, an independent music production company, which he currently owns and manages

• Composed & produced corporate song Bring Out Your Best for Edcon which was used in their staff roadshow and performed by Yvonne Chaka-Chaka (15000 Copies were distributed to staff members)

• Launch of the Toyota Hilux - Electric Pops Orchestra performance with Paul Buckby and Julie Hartley

• Performed proudly South African songs with the Electric Pops Orchestra at the farewell function for Mr Kristof Kupke – Daimler Chrysler

• Barclays Event with the Electric Pops Orchestra and African Diva’s – PJ Powers, Judith Sephuma and Lucia Mthiyane

• Scored full orchestra arrangements for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra / Artscape Best of the Musicals theatre show

• Queen at the Opera with the Electric Pops Orchestra and Duncan Royce, Vicky Sampson and Kate Normington

• Xerox dealer awards function with Duncan Royce and Juanita Kruger and the EPO

Highlights: 2004

• Conducted the Electric Pops Orchestra at the launch of AngloGold Ashanti, Turbine Hall

• Recorded, edited and mixed world premiere release of Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s Violin Concerto for Avie Records (UK) with French violinist Philippe Graffin, conductor Michael Hankinson and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra - the album was ‘Editors Choice’ for the July issue of The Gramophone (UK).

• The Nelson Mandela Square launch

• Business Connexion launch - composed interactive music and dance piece

• Recorded, mixed and produced album Bali Smile for world music group Saharadja

• Queen at the Opera show featuring Vicky Sampson, Duncan Royce and Kate Normington for ABSA Brokers

• Pop opera shows for Momentum at Sun City Superbowl with orchestra and opera Soloists

• La Dolce Vita corporate show for Momentum featuring Jannie Moolman, Juanita Kruger, Tsepo Desando and Genevieve Benny with small orchestra

• Mixed and edited recordings of all concerts of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra for broadcast on Classic FM

• Musical Director & arranger for the Gerald Fox Memorial Concert, held at the Linksfield Shul featuring top Jewish cantors from around Johannesburg

Highlights: 2003

• Cell C Year End Gala Banquets which featured Mafikizolo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Claire Johnston, Vicky Sampson the Electric Pops Orchestra

• Arranged scores and performed at the SABC 2 Joburg Pops concert, which featured Joseph Clark, Vicky Sampson, Timothy Moloi, Candis Angelene and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra

• Soundtrack for Goldcrest World of Food TV commercial

• ABBA tribute show – The Winner Takes It All featuring Chrissie Caine & Craig Urbani

• Launch of the Sappi Lignotech Plant performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra

• Mixed and edited recordings of all 4 seasons of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s concerts for broadcast on Classic FM

Highlights: 2002

• Miss SA Teen – co-composed and produced original music

• Miss South Africa - arranged and produced opening medley

• BMW 7 Series launch – co-composed original score (received a Loerie Craft Award)

• Soundtrack for Toyota Corolla launch film

• Composed song for opening of Nedbank building Rivonia Rd

• Arranged 10 new scores for KKNK Pops met die Diva’s concert at Klein Karoo Kunstefees

• Arranger and Musical Director for 50’s Swing Show featuring Joseph Clark

• Musical Director for Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Israeli National Day Celebrations Concert held at Balfour Park Shopping Centre, with an attendance of over 6000

Highlights: 2001

• VIP Launch of Cell C - co-composed theme song

• Soundtrack for the TV commercial for the Department of Communication for the launch of the 2nd fixed line telephone provider in SA

• Co-composed and produced the Logo theme for Imizwelili – SABC TV

• Alpha 147 launch – produced reveal track

• Music arrangements for the show Best of Broadway with the Electric Pops Orchestra performed at Circus Maximus Theatre, Caesars Gauteng

• Musical Director for Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Israeli National Day Celebrations Concert held at Balfour Park Shopping Centre, with an attendance of over 4000

• Arranged 5 new scores for the Klein Karoo Kunstefees Pops concert in Oudtshoorn

Highlights: 1997 - 2000

• Graduated from Tshwane University of Technology with a National Diploma - Light Music

• Employed as resident music arranger, sound engineer, programmer and music copyist at Stone Music Productions

• Arranged and produced the music for the cabaret show Marilyn! Live

• Scored and arranged music for The Elvis - Las Vegas - Extravaganza which toured the major theatres of South Africa 1999-2000

• Recording and mixing engineer for The Elvis - Las Vegas - Extravaganza album

• Richard Loring's Girltalk – music tracks and arrangements (Soundstage: March 1998 - April 1999; Malaysia: April 1999; State Theatre Drama: May 1999)

• Engineer and composer on the Girltalk album for Richard Loring (sold over 10 000 copies)

• Co-arranger for Symphonic Reggae with Lucky Dube, held at the Standard Bank Arena

• Midi Programming for In Concert, a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most popular music which ran at the Civic Theatre in Johannesburg