New York, April 27, 2020—Majestic Castle Music Productions releases “Hopeful,” a beautifully soothing instrumental written and performed by composer, Victor Friedman, featuring Paula Atherton on sax, with Jim Papoulis on piano. The digital single will be released May 8 on Amazon, Apple Music, Deezer, Google Play, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.


“Hopeful” was composed by Victor Friedman, who dedicated it to his parents. He notes, “I am dedicating this tune to my beloved mom, Goldie, who unfortunately passed away in early April, and to my late father, Alexander, who passed away a while back. They both were incredible human beings, blessed with many special qualities. Their kindness, humbleness, generosity, and selflessness never ceased to amaze me, especially considering the hardships they had endured during their lifetime, including the loss of my mom’s entire family in Auschwitz and my father spending six years in a Russian labor camp. They forever shall live in my heart, as I feel so fortunate and privileged to for always be their son.” Naming his most recent tune “Hopeful” was no coincidence, as Victor realizes that hope is so vital to our future, as it is at the core of our ability to survive and move forward, especially considering the unprecedented times we live in.



Friedman was born in Ukraine and started studying violin and piano when he was seven years old. He began writing small classical compositions at the age of twelve and in his late teens also became very interested in the world of pop and jazz. Subsequently, he emigrated to the United States. His passion for writing music continued, resulting in a number of studio recordings. Currently, Friedman is also the CEO of a software technology company focused on Collaboration space. He has pioneered the concept of connecting people seeking specific information/expertise with best available subject matter experts over the Internet on-demand, regardless of their location.


Paula Atherton, a saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, and chart-topping contemporary jazz artist, has earned recognition and rave reviews for her body of work. . In an early 2018 review by Ronald Jackson of her fifth CD, “Shake It,” for The Smooth Jazz Ride, he notes, “...You have just gotta love the sassiness, the sultriness, the buoyancy of this music. It’s got everything you need for a satisfying listening experience and then some.” And, as of April 4, 2020, Atherton’s first single, “Can You Feel It,” from her forthcoming sixth release, entitled “Can You Feel It” (produced by Greg Manning and written by Paula and Greg), was #1 on Mediabase, and #1 on the Smooth Jazz Network, and as of April 18, 2020, #1 on Billboard (for two weeks). Several singles from her previous CDs also ranked very well on the charts. Throughout her career, Atherton has shared the stage with many contemporary jazz notables and has also worked in the traditional jazz field, including a notable week-long engagement at the Blue Note NYC with pianist and jazz legend, Hank Jones. She has also performed with Grammy award winning singer Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Annenberg Theater for the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival.


The piano was performed by award-winning choral composer and musician, Jim Papoulis, who has worked with Jason Mraz, Faith Hill, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Beijing Children’s Choir, and London Symphony Orchestra.





This digi single was produced by Michéal Castaldo, Majestic Castle Music Productions, New York City. He has also worked with Jose Feliciano, Chris Botti, and Martha Wash. Castaldo is an award-winning Italian tenor, producer, and songwriter who sings in the style of Andrea Bocelli. He studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, produced all of his own CDs and digi singles, and as a vocalist, has toured throughout North America and Europe.


For more information about “Hopeful,” contact Majestic Castle Music Productions at majesticcastlemusic@yahoo.com.


The “Hopeful” digital CD is available in several digital platforms, all of which can be found at linktr.ee/HopefulSingle.

Press Information
Magic Castle Music Productions
New York, NY

Charlotte Jayne
Administrative Assistant
631-256-6515