Hazelita Fauntroy Hayes is a dramatic coloratura soprano who began performing at seven years of age. She began training at the Settlement School of Music at 4th & Queen Streets, performing selections from Paul Laurence Dunbar, Phyllis Wheatley and singing spirituals, hymns and 18th century Italian art songs. She served as a Soprano soloist in Lutheran churches for more than 25 years. Ms. Hayes made her operatic debut with the Opera Company of Philadelphia in Gian Carlo Menotti "The Hero." She started her own company (The Thumbnail Opera Group) while serving as Soprano soloist at Trinity Lutheran Church at 18th & Wolf Streets in Philadelphia. She started the Philmont Opera Company with her late husband, Terry Hayes, premiering "Paul Robeson: Here I Stand," a bio opera (1985), and performing Wagner's Ring Cycle (1988). Ms. Hayes is the creator of "Yes I am a Suffragette" that ran from 1985-2000 in Pennsylvania. She has served as Artist in Residence for 20 years for the Lawnside Music Studio. She has worked with composer Dr. Cynthia Cozzette Lee on her operas, "Adea," "The Black Guitar," and created the role of the civil war nurse in Dr. Lee's new opera. 

Ms. Hayes will be accompanied by Ms. Rose Coleman. Ms. Coleman is a graduate of the Combs College of
Music and Westminster Choir College. She teaches music for the School District of Philadelphia and is an
accompanist for the Haverford Singers of Philadelphia. Ms Coleman is currently working with Ms Hayes
on a recording of spirituals and hymns. Ms Coleman is in demand as a conductor of oratorios and a
minister of music.