A Small Opera
Every year Isaac plans and runs the Good Friday service where he is music director (St. Matthew's UMC, in Bowie, MD). I always attend because it will certainly feature a significant musical presentation. Occasionally I perform, more frequently I listen.
Tonight's special offering was a 20-minute, two-person opera with choir called "Saturday 29 AD", by Mark Schweizer. The characters were Pilate and his wife. He was washing his hands and trying to justify himself to his wife, while she thought he made the wrong decision, and the choir sang some atmospheric back-up.
Chuck Hastings & Jane Thessin sang the solo parts admirably and created a very engaging drama. The choir was subtle and effective. A special shout-out goes to Chuck McClurg for his rather startling and realistic hand-washing special effects.