Composer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Sylvester regularly performs around the Washington, DC, area as a solo guitarist, as a singer/songwriter, and with numerous folk, world, classical, rock, and jazz groups. His recordings of original compositions include music for solo acoustic guitar, chamber music for classical banjo, and scores for live theater productions. Mark's primary musical influences and interests include folk and world music, cool jazz, prog rock, minimalism, American primitive and contemporary guitar music, and J.S. Bach.
Composer
• Music for solo acoustic guitar, including the 15 compositions on Roam (2023, 2003)
• Contemporary classical music featuring the banjo, including Banjo Chamber Concerto (2013) and the compositions on New Music for Banjo (2009), winner of the 2009 Wammie Award for Classical Recording
• Music for award-winning live theater: Nothing but Sky (2014), NiX (2009, 2010), and Other Freds (2005)
• Other classical, jazz, and folk compositions for small ensembles
Musician
• Solo guitarist: original compositions; classical, jazz, and folk repertoire
• Solo singer/songwriter: original songs; folk and rock repertoire
• Member of several noteworthy DMV-area music groups: including Trio Trela (2018–2020), Selling Fairfax by the Pound (2013–2020), Great Noise Ensemble (2005–2019), Tree Surgeons (1997–2001)
• Perform and record with DMV-area folk, rock, classical, jazz, soul, choir, and dance groups: including Jane Franklin Dance, Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Wolf Trap Opera, Congressional Chorus, and Prince George’s Philharmonic