July Newsletter

The ministries of the Christmas Lutheran Church are not only thriving, but expanding and improving in new and creative ways. A new center for artisans, Dar al-Balad, just opened in Beit Sahour, a Christian village adjacent to Bethlehem. Bethlehem Star Music continues to grow, now under the joint leadership of Joseph Duqmaq and myself. Joseph, a native of Bethlehem and graduate of Amman Conservatory of Music, joined the staff during my recent itineration in the United States. The music program of Dar al-Kalima College, offering the first music performance degree available in Palestine, will begin courses on September 12.

The Palestinian Authority, which has accredited the college and its music program, requires that at least one full-time music staff member hold a master’s degree in music. I am scheduled to finish studies for a Master of Music Education degree from Boston University at the end of this summer. As the head of the music program, I will be the only full-time staff member in the music program—and only the sixth full-time faculty member in the entire college. Five Palestinian music teachers will join me, all of whom will be part-time and who hold bachelors degrees in music. This means that, at this time, in order for the music performance degree to begin, I must be in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, the music program is the least funded of all college programs and cannot afford my stipend.

You can provide the necessary funding for my stipend, and thus enable the first music performance degree in Palestine to be launched on September 12, 2008. When you donate to “Matt’s music ministry,” 100% of your money goes toward my stipend and is tax deductible. Attached is a form with the mailing address for your donations, and a form that you may include with your donation so the money is credited accordingly.

Checks may be mailed to

Bright Stars of Bethlehem
212 East Capitol Street NE
Washington DC 20003
*In the memo line, write “Matt’s music ministry.”

Without your support, this unprecedented opportunity for young musicians in Bethlehem will not succeed.

Thank you for your previous and continuing support for musicians, and for my work here.

Yours sincerely,
Matthew Middleton

Donate a Piano

The piano you see in the photos during the performance of Vivaldi's Gloria is no longer in the Christmas Lutheran Church. Due to the change of venue of the National Conservatory of Music and the addition of Dar Al-Kalima College, there is no longer any piano on which to make music either during performances or worship services. Rather, performances and services are being accompanied by an aging, small, and damaged keyboard.

If you would like to donate a piano to the Christmas Lutheran Church, contact me, Matt Middleton, via email at mmiddleton@annadwa.org, or our sales representative for price and shipping options, Steve Tunnell, stunnell@steinwaydallas.com.

Vivaldi Gloria

On March 29, 2008, two Bethlehem Star Music ensembles performed the famed oratorio of Antonio Vivaldi, Gloria. The Chorus rehearsed for 10 months prior to performance, being joined by the Chamber Ensemble in the last two months of preparations. With performers from Palestine, Germany, the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden and more, the eclectic group gave a cohesive performance and one that reflected their commitment to making beautiful music despite the challenging circumstances in which they find themselves.

Our two soloists were both from the United States. Janet Lewis, soprano, is now the regional liaison for the United Methodist Church in Palestine and Israel. Faith Rowold, mezzo-soprano, is a communications officer for Diyar Consortium and Bright Stars of Bethlehem. We were also joined on double-bass by the principal of Talitha Kumi School in Beit Jala, Dr. Georg Durr, who is committed to have every one of his 800 students learn at least one musical instrument. Four advanced students from the National Conservatory of Music in Beit Sahour composed the violin section, and several elders from the Christmas Lutheran Church participated in the Chorus, among other professional musicians and volunteers.