The multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer of modern Christian music decided to reach out to string players from all over the world to come together and upload a song online in support of the hard-pressed Israel. It is an international musical project in which violinists, violists, cellists and double bassists from 19 different countries of the world participate. “This is not a political campaign! This project is rather to lift up the good and be a light to the nation of Israel,“says musician James Evans.

The international music project was started by James Evans, a musician living in Slovakia. A UK-born composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, has been living in Slovakia since 2000. He’s engaged in international music projects across Europe and the USA. In Slovakia, he founded Heaven’s Shore with friend Daniel Shaw and later the James Evans Band in 2016. Inspired by Celtic and Jewish roots, his music blends elements from both traditions.

The tragic events happening in Gaza affected him immensely, so he decided to organize an international project to support Israel. „I was deeply disturbed hearing about the atrocities in Israel since October the 7th and the continuous bombing. Having Jewish roots myself, I was thinking to myself, what can I do to be a light to the people of Israel? „Use what you have” was the answer that came to my mind. And what I have is music!“

James decided to put together the string players from all over the world to record a composition together, and Anežka Kara, violinist of the Slovak Philharmonic, is helping him with the project. She told us: “James is a person with a big heart, a visionary with an amazing zeal for God's things, charity and meaningful projects. The proof is also this initiation and the idea to bring together professional musicians, string players from all over the world, to each record their orchestral part from the comfort of their own home in a composition that will be combined in one big video (similar to how we worked as musicians during the pandemic). We dedicate the recorded song to support the suffering people in Israel. We already have registered musicians from 19 nationalities such as South Korea, Malaysia, Armenia, USA, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Japan, France, England, Israel,  Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Netherlands, Italy."

Anežka Kara met James Evans this year while recording his new album. Together with her orchestra The Ladies Ensemble, they participated in the recording of James' new gospel album Shine, on which he also collaborates with great singers from America such as Pamella Elaine (more about his support at www.gogetfunding.com).

And how do the musicians who are going to record a song together in support of Israel react? “People are happy that we are doing a beautiful project and thank us for this initiative. Yes, we also encountered a negative reaction, but that is normal. But it does not deter us, because we believe that it is important to support the innocent, suffering people in Israel, at least mentally and above all we want peace to reign in the Middle East,” added Anežka Kara for our online magasine.

The organizers are grateful for the talented musicians who took the time, although, as Anežka says, she understands that everyone has their responsibilities and is grateful that they are going to record their orchestral parts without any payment. “I thank James for his courage to selflessly organize such a logistically demanding but meaningful project to support peace," states the violinist.

James Evans adds that this project is not a political campaign. "I believe that ALL humanity living in unity and peace. And I want to believe that that we can see Palestinians and Jews live side by side. It is the evil ideologies, radicalism and terrorist groups like Hamas that seek the complete destruction of Israel. They must be exposed to the world and shown how they are oppressing the Palestinian people!” As he says, the project he devised and will implement in the coming days is supposed to lift up the good and be a light to the Israeli nation. “Maybe it's just a small thing in the midst of a tragedy. But just a sincere expression of support and hope for the Israeli people," explains the British-born musician.

Musicians, who would like to participate on the project, can apply to the email: jaminkoevans@gmail.com or anezka.drmolova@gmail.com

Edited by: mojakultura.sk

For the Slovak version of the article click HERE