Matthias Knauer
VOERDE For 15 years, there is around the "St. Paul's Church," a gospel choir, the "St. Paul's Gospel Singers. Reason enough, the 40 singers were with her head Stefan Büscher field for an anniversary concert at the St. Paul Church in Voerde on 30.04.2006 at 17:00 clock.
fact that the story of a choir history of success is showing not only the rising singer numbers. In particular by his ability outside the choir has earned a reputation Voerde ersungen or better. From the start, was the North American form of sacred music at the center, gospel and spirituals. Closely intertwined with the African-American tradition seems the "Gospel Singers" in this country to find the right tone.
The beginning of the concert showed the dynamic nature of this music. Singing, the singers took their places before the altar. First up was "Somebody is knocking." after the lively start was the choir that he can also calm. "All night, all day" filled sensitively the church.
any case were the next pieces, always the sign of the change. After quiet pieces usually followed upbeat, peppy songs. Wherein the conductor us a second time his choir accompanied on keyboards. Especially on the songs "Glorify the Lord" and "Hallelujah - Jusus lives today" had the audience excited and paid the singers with long applause.
was then the audience witness a world premiere at the "Gospel Singers". The setting of Psalm 62 was on the program. Though the text "My soul waits in silence" was said that the choir was, fortunately, not quiet. They skillfully mastered difficult passages and were then finish the song with feeling.
sang after this difficult hurdle, the choir almost free. Powerful sounded "Salvation" by Jochen Rieger. In subsequent, quieter piece "I will bless the lord", the choir was even accompanied by a saxophone. Almost in the dialogue, Tatet the instrument and the singers through the piece.
The highlight of the choir ventured to a modern version of Handel's "Hallelujah" from the "Messiah". Again, there was the musical class, and a standing ovation, the audience thanked for this great concert. Of course, the choir still had to give encores, including an impressive version of "O Happy Day".
Source: Rheinische Post on 1, 2 or 3 May 2006
note from the choir: The song "Hallelujah - Jesus lives today" was replaced by "Hallelujah, salvation in glory" in the program sequence.
