Along with composing the score, Stewart Copeland has spent over five years clearing the rights to use the movie, curating a new digital version of the silent epic. The original celluloid reels had been dug up, since the 1960s locked up in the vaults of Warner Bros, and were edited by Stewart himself to a more manageable running time of 90 minutes.

Stewart Copeland about the project:

"I want 90 guys to burn down the building. They can do that. I know they can do that. It's a silent movie, which is catnip for a composer, and the wild action scenes are nitroglycerin for a drummer."

Ben Hur is based on the popular 1880 historical novel by General Lew Wallace and tells the story of the Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur, who is enslaved by the Romans but saves a Roman general. He goes on to gain a powerful position within Roman society, ultimately restoring honor to his family. The movie was directed by Fred Niblo and features the 1920s matinee idol Ramon Novarro in the title role. Copeland will play drums and a host of traditional Middle Eastern percussion instruments, designed to add unique color to the music of this dramatic story set during the time of Jesus Christ.

Teaser from Stewart Copeland

"This is just a tease for the show, at which the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra gave me a great ride!"

8 min Chariot Race

Ben Hur, A Tale of the Christ, Symphonic Copy ©2014 Turner Entertainment Company, Inc./Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.

Read more about the project on the website of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.