Event Taking Place: Animal-Powered Charity Concert at Gaden
In the heart of Erding, Bavaria, the historic filial church of St. Jacob the Elder from the 15th century echoed with the melodious sounds of a Baroque organ and a vibrant gospel choir. The eighth instalment of the "Barockorgel meets..." charity concert series was a resounding success, raising a total of 1500 euros for local charities.
The evening began with the Freysing Larks gospel choir entering the nave to the rousing tune of "When The Saints Go Marching In". The choir started the concert with another spiritual, "Wade in the Water", a 19th-century hymn. The choir's performance of "Loan di o" expressed affection, support, and neighbourly love, resonating deeply with the audience.
Simon Müller, a master's degree holder in church music, skillfully played the organ, setting the tone for the concert with "Capriccio sopra il Cucu" by Johann Caspar von Kerll. Müller's repertoire included organ pieces that featured feathered singers, such as "An Imitation of the Nightingale on the Organ" by Johann Ludwig Krebs and "La poule" by Jean-Philippe Rameau.
The concert program was diverse, blending classic Baroque music with contemporary pieces. Michael Jackson's "Black or White" was given a unique twist, with the choir simulating rain and a thunderclap during their performance of "Africa". The choir also performed "Baba Yetu" in Swahili, incorporating body performance and animal sounds, which left the audience in awe.
Erding's mayor Max Gotz and Father Ignatius Kullu, the head of the parish association of Langenbach/Oberhummel, were among the prominent figures present at the concert. As the conclusion of the concert, the choir and the audience sang the Bavarian anthem together, marking a fitting end to an evening of music, camaraderie, and charitable giving.
A portion of the funds collected during the concert, amounting to 1000 euros, will support the Katharina-Fischer School in Erding, a special needs education center. The remaining 500 euros will benefit the filial church itself.
The "Barockorgel meets..." series, a local initiative aimed at showcasing the unique Baroque organ housed in Gaden and supporting charitable projects, has become a cultural highlight in the region. The series attracts musicians specializing in Baroque music as well as those integrating other genres, creating a diverse and appealing program.
Upcoming concerts in the series are scheduled seasonally or annually, with details announced by the local church or the organizing body. For precise dates and detailed program information, it's best to check announcements from the parish of Gaden, the local cultural office in Erding, or community bulletins closer to the event dates.
The diverse concert program included a rendition of Michael Jackson's "Black or White", blending Baroque music with contemporary tunes, showcasing the choir's versatility and creating an engaging entertainment experience for the audience. Concert-goers enjoyed a lifestyle event that combined home-and-garden charm, with the historic church of St. Jacob the Elder, and entertainment featuring music performances.
