German Youth Choir at St John's - April 8

The Michael-Praetorius-Chor presented a programme of religious music at St. John’s Church in Kidderminster that was outstanding in its vocal perfection, variety of moods and purity of sound. The choir – the youth choir of Halberstadt Cathedral in Germany – is linked with St. John’s through the Worcester diocesan link with the Diocese of Magdeburg, and has also given concerts in Malvern and Worcester during this visit.

The choir sang a capella music, ranging from early 17th century Praetorius to the present day, as well as a number of accompanied items. At one point three groups were ranged around the church to give an authentic “surround-sound” experience, and the choir processed down the aisles at the start and finish of the concert to Anders Nyberg’s arrangement of “Freedom is Coming”.

The choir’s Director, Claus-Erhard Heinrich, is also the Cathedral organist, and displayed, too, a considerable talent as a jazz pianist and as a composer. At various points in the programme his playing was supplemented by skilled and sensitive accompaniment on drums, violin, horn and clarinet, all by members of the choir.

An added bonus in this concert was the contribution of Angela Kunze-Beiküfner, a mime artist, whose interpretations (with piano accompaniment by Herr Heinrich) of Psalm 23 and the Gospel story of Jesus and the children were riveting and by turns humorous, exhilarating and deeply affecting.  Frau Kunze-Beiküfner is a pastor in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church, and her deep involvement with the subject of her performances was clear for all to see.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the folk at St. John’s, the Worcester Diocese and of course Pastorin Kunze-Beiküfner and the choir leadership for granting us this unforgettable evening.

Ray Harrowing