Adas Israel is excited to present a new opera, Geniza: Hidden Fragments by Cantor Emeritus, Rabbi/Cantor Arnold Saltzman who began his association as Hazzan of Adas Israel in 1981. Geniza: Hidden Fragments is the story of Solomon and Mathilde Schechter together with Agnes Lewis and Margaret Gibson revealing the beginnings of important historic evidence of Medieval Jewish history in Egypt. The Geniza was a storage area which contained one thousand years of letters, books, scrolls, business items, marriage contracts and divorces, poems, rabbinic opinions, religious texts which could no longer be used. These were brought to life again through the work of scholars, and are still revealing unknown facts about life, especially the lives of women in the early Medieval period.

Based on a few facts,the creative story reveals itself in the second part with characters of the 12th century, the issues of matched marriages, women in business, and the role of twins. Of special interest is the monk Johannes, who became a proselyte and member of the community of Cairo, writing down Hebrew Hymns, our first in music notation. The music while operatic and light neoclassical opera, is meant to be enjoyed, conveying the story, revealing the characters, and some of their heroic nature. Our singers have international and national credits, ranging from Peabody Conservatory to New England Conservatory and Carnegie Mellon as well as Juilliard. The Members of the Chesapeake Orchestra will be conducted by Jeffrey Silberschlag, who is the co-Director of the Alba Music Festival in Alba, Italy for over 20years, Chair in Music at UMD St. Mary's College, the National Honors College, and world famous conductor and trumpet virtuoso. Our collaborative pianist, Dr. Janghyo Yoo, is currently teaching piano on the faculty of Catholic University. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2023 at 4 PM (there will be one intermission).

Arnold Saltzman premiered his first opera, Touro, in 1995 at George Washington University, and four symphonies since that time, including his 4th in Italy.

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