Choosing a choir
Sing / Sing a song / Sing out loud, sing out strong / Sing of good things, not bad / Sing of happy, not sad / Sing / Sing a song
You can’t beat a free concert and one that lets you drink beer inside a church is always going to be a must-see. Running from 6pm until after 1am, 26 choirs from all over Berlin showcased fifteen minutes each from their repertoire on Friday night. Threatened with closure, it was the ninth “Long night of the choirs” event hosted by the Reformationskirche Moabit church, to make money for the church. It is now an established evening of choral music, advertised as the highlight to the start of Berlin’s concert season. And a highlight it was!
We were treated to acapella, traditional church choirs, Turkish music and even a classical orchestra. As we walked in, our ears filled with the harmonised song of ABBA’s Knowing Me and Knowing You, immediately making me want to join their choir. I was told I should at least listen to a few other groups before I make my decision but… one word: ABBA!!
Apparently there are more than 1,400 amateur choirs in Berlin alone, far too much choice for me to be able to decide which one to join. So last night was all about seeing what was out there and picking my favourite. I have been in choirs for years and love learning music in different languages. I am looking for something fun and happy with high potential to make friends. If I’m honest, there were very very few young members sadly and most of the music was religious with very high soprano voices, which my voice will not even attempt to reach. However, it was a lovely evening.
There was a young girl in the front row copying the conductor and waving her arms all over the place, as if directing the singers. The church was so overloaded with people that there were no seats left. People sat on the floor, on the stairs and they stood anywhere there was space.
The lady next to me noted how it was amazing that all these people were not indoors watching TV. Fittingly, the next song was all about how you should never disturb a person during Tatort, a popular crime TV series, and what grim “accident” would happen to those people who dared to do so. It got a lot of laughs from the crowd.
Very enjoyable was the Bulgarian choir, the actual reason we had decided to go in the first place. I have sung a couple of Bulgarian songs before and I love the way the voices use a high-pitched squeal, almost a yodel. They were literally singing in fast competition to each other on the stage in traditional clothing. The crowd went wild…
However, my favourite group would have to be the Japanese Nagomi choir, 13 ladies in differing shades of pink with red roses attached to their shirts. They did more than just sing: they got into formation and danced in a cute choreographed style with waving hands and dance moves. It was hilarious and they definitely got the biggest applause of the night. Everyone was up in their seats, stretching to get a better view. Their song about cake being the most delicious food in the world was a big hit. If you want to get in on the action, they are holding a concert in a fortnight. It’s nearly sold-out, so be quick:
WHAT: Ensemble Nagomi 13. Jahreskonzert
WHERE: Japanisch-Deutsches Zentrum Berlin, Saargemünder Str. 2, 14195 Berlin
WHEN: Friday 20th September 2013; from 19:30pm
HOW MUCH: Free entry, donations welcome
WEBSITE: http://www.geocities.jp/
**Almost sold out – reserve your spot on 030 8390 7123**