Hi Adrian,

Thanks. I hope my plan for the symphony (or perhaps oratorio will be better once it's done) works out. That is to let all sides express their feelings about each other and the war through their songs and bind it together dramatically through the (true)story of the runaway slave, Joseph Selby, whom I've called Ned. Since Benjamin Hanby, the composer of the original version of "Darling Nellie Gray" would have know Joseph Selby (Ned), it can be inferred that he did, indeed, play the banjo. But I think you are right about a solo banjo playing with a full orchestra. I guess how to handle that would be up to the conductor. I have kept the orchestra in most sections requiring that instrument pretty hushed, but the ideal thing would be for the tenor soloist to play the banjo and step forward to a microphone when he sings in the guise of Ned. Nice dream, but . . .

all best,
mgj