MOSES BECOMES AN OPERA
Opportunities dressed with the words "unique" and "once in a lifetime" assault us from all corners on a daily basis. More often than not, they are prosaic affairs dressed with hyperbole to bolster their otherwise mundane message. Conversely, there are those opportunities lost forever if the moment is not seized precisely when offered. Have you ever, for instance, had the chance to participate in the production of a new opera? An opera which has been commissioned to commemorate both its theatre's centennial as well as the start of a new millenium? An opera that remains as a testament to its time for future generations to enjoy? To find out how you can, read on.
Lviv is situated in western Ukraine and is an architecturally and historically rich city. The crown jewel of the city's architectural wealth is its Opera and Ballet Theater, which sits at the northern end of Prospekt Svoboda, a magnificent chestnut- and maple-lined boulevard. From this nexus the theater, rendered primarily in a classical style with Renaissance and Baroque motif details, serves both as a focal point and gateway to the visual richness the city has to offer.
 Myroslav Skoryk composer |
n opera has been commissioned to commemorate the centennial of the Lviv Theater's completion as well as the beginning of a new millenium. This new opera is based on the poem "Moses" by the great Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko. The libretto will be authored by Bohdan Stelmakh, a Lviv native, while the music is being scored by another Lvivian, world-renowned composer Myroslaw Skoryk, whom Joseph McLellan of the Washington Post in a recent February 26th review praised as, " ... an original, a composer with a distinct identity, a mastery of many idioms ...".
"Moses" is scheduled to debut in Fall 2000 with several world class singers performing in the production. However, resources need to be procured for theater renovations, set decorations, costumes and other requirements. Total needs for this production are projected at approximately $350,000.
The Centennial Committee of the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theater invites you to be recorded in history as a sponsor of this truly remarkable project. Contributors' names will be included in the commemorative monograph that will be published to mark this occasion. Donations and pledges of support have already started coming in from spiritual and secular leaders (the Vatican among them), as well as institutions across Europe, the USA, and other parts of the world. Bishop Losten of the Diocese of Stamford (Connecticut, USA) has expressed his support for this vital project and has generously offered to oversee the tax-free donations that are processed via the special account for the Lviv Opera Fund (see details below).
The donation schedule and other information are included below. All who wish to support or participate in the grand event are asked to contact the committee via email: LvivOpera@email.com or by phone in the U.S. at 212-658-9220, or in Kyiv at (044) 254-0657. This truly is a "unique" and "once in a lifetime" opportunity! We look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you for your generous support.
From Article posted on Brama.com website during 2000-first quarter of 2001