DAMÂN

The seven creations

On the second of his sojourns to India, The Esoterics' director Eric Banks had the opportunity to study the ancient texts and singing practices of the Parsis, the Zoroastrians who have lived in the region around Bombay since the eighth century.

In his research at the Cama Oriental Institute, Eric studied the Avesta, the earliest Persian scriptures of Zoroastrianism - arguably the world's oldest monotheism - a faith that has influenced most of the practiced religions on the planet. While in Bombay, Eric researched the Gathas, which are most likely the oldest chants in recorded history. These hymns of the prophet Zarathustra have been handed down by the rote memorization of Zoroastrian priests, from father to son, since they were first uttered. (Some scholars think that Zarathustra lived some 2000 years before Christ, perhaps 4000 years ago.)

In addition to the Gathas, Eric studied a ninth-century manuscript of the Persian cosmology, called the Bundahishn. Selecting texts from both of these sources, Eric has assembled a libretto for a seven-movement opera for a cappella voices - one that incorporates ancient Persian scripture and melodies to recount the origin of the universe in dramatic detail, acknowledge the cosmic balance between good and evil, and emphasize the human choice between these two that is so essential to the Zoroastrian faith. Banks' choral opera, The seven creations, which will be premiered in Seattle before The Esoterics brings it on tour to north India, has been funded by a composer's grant from 4Culture, an award from Seattle CityArtists, and a composer's fellowship from the Washington State Arts Commission and Artist Trust.

The Esoterics will partner once again with One America With Justice for All (formerly Hate Free Zone) for DAMÂN, making the concert series a benefit for this organization.

DescriptionTimes & LocationsProgram