About the project

 

I was inspired after taking part in a Christmas play "Amal And The Night Visitors" at Jerusalem's YMCA. After the play, during my bus ride home, I had the entire opera finished in my head.

My best friend was a professional conductor and a great musician; he also conducted the orchestra at YMACA. He also recorded my music in his studio and we played music together wherever we could. Many of my friends were good actors and gifted musicians; so I thought to myself, "Those are just perfect settings."

I have already produced lots of music, all I needed was a stage. I started to write the music out of my head playing only my guitar. A lady from Ireland was leaving Jerusalem and did not know what to do with her piano, so she asked me if I could keep it for a while until she would come back. I said, "Yes" for indeed it was heaven-sent.

It was still before the time of computers so I had to use my imagination having no possibility to test it through a MIDI sequencer or with musicians. Everyone was too busy and always going somewhere.

Circumstances have changed. I finished my opera. The Irish lady returned and took back her piano and I had to go and minister in Europe where I have been stuck ever since.

Today, at the age of 58, I am being reminded to finish the project I started in 1982. Living close to an opera house I thought, "It's just perfect. The time is upon me."

SCREENPLAY

I have been writing and even deciphering the hand-written melody line, chords and text.

That is done.

Compiling all the hand-written music manuscripts, the melody outlines and the conductor's orchestral score.

1. For rehearsing

After the text is transferred and properly marked then the chord structure is established (guitar). For Piano: main melody line with text, two staves. For rehearsing it is always good to have the chords above the melody and text and two-stave piano score below.

2. Previewing the conductor's score

After the singers' rehearsal, provided that all flows smoothly, the conductor's score is then put to the test, live.

Due to ongoing ministry activities and homework, gathering wood for the stove, tiredness, things progress but slowly. Recent arctic winds do not help. Staying warm. It is dark and uninspiring outside.

I hope I am not too old for this new challenge, but an extra rest should do just fine for me.

The Bible says, "Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:31). Surely, in earth's time I have waited now 31 years, but in God's time none.

Thank you for remembering me in your prayers.