Ani Ma-amin (I Believe) (2002)

I. Graceful; Resolute II. Serene III. Joyful IV. Affirming; Fervent V. Supplication

At the core of Judaism are certain articles of faith that have resonance for me whether within or without a religious context. One of these articles is the declaration of belief in a messiah, a redemption of the world, a time when peace shall reign in all of creation. This belief - in a peaceful outcome to the human project - has long been a source of hope for people the world over, and has given purpose to an otherwise chaotic existence.

The work calls for a choir, singing in the original Hebrew, accompanied by an inter-cultural orchestra of instruments from many parts of the world. The text, two terse lines composed a millenium ago, by the great Rabbinical scholar and philosopher Moses Maimonides, is given several different treatments in a multiple movement work. Each movement highlights a different attitude of prayer, such as: joy, grace, serenity, resolution, and supplication. The English translation goes:

The textual universalism in the work serves to highlight the mission of the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra as a musical ensemble that encourages goodwill and understanding between peoples of diverse backgrounds.

Moshe Denburg