more news:

write your own news:

all news by category:

You are here: Frontpage > News > Help needed to put on the World Premier of a Cantata for Rachel Corrie.

... more Anti-war news >>>

10-Sep-2005

Help needed to put on the World Premier of a Cantata for Rachel Corrie.

by: Deborah Fink

London: I am writing to tell you about the exciting World Premiere of the cantata for Rachel Corrie, 'The Skies are Weeping’ by Philip Munger. It will take place at the Hackney Empire, London on November 1 2005 as part of a multicultural concert, to commemorate all who have been lost to the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Rachel was killed by an Israel bulldozer while trying to stop a Palestinian doctor's home being demolished. The second movement of the work is dedicated to Tom Hurndall.

'The Skies are Weeping’ is the only known major classical piece to have been written about these events and therefore has much potential for publicity and reaching a new, uninformed audience. It had to be withdrawn from its premiere in Alaska due to safety concerns for the student performers: the composer and soprano soloist had received email and telephone threats. So far, the composer has not had much luck getting this performed in the US. I am sure you will agree that music can and should deal with controversial topics, and that this should be heard, free from prejudiced attack. In the belief that British society is more tolerant, we are now trying to raise the £15,000 needed to enable the concert to go ahead. Any surplus funds from donations and tickets will be given to the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions and the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme.

The concert will also feature Palestinian singers and the Dabke dance group, Al Houria, and Jewish musician, poet and playwright, Michelene Wandor with her ensemble, Siena, who will perform music by the 17th century, Italian Jewish composer, Salamone Rossi.

For more details, please see http://weepingskies.blogspot.com or email: skiesareweeping@hotmail.co.uk Anyone sending donations of over £100 will be listed in the programme, unless they request otherwise and will be invited to our reception afterwards. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Skies are Weeping' project and sent to: 'The Skies are Weeping', PO Box 34265, London NW5 2WD UK.

Source: debopera.fink@btopenworld.com