Music as Proclamation
In the Protestant churches, music has always been regarded as one of the central means of proclamation. Through church music, people can find an emotional and spiritual access to religious themes and to their own personal faith.
Church Music as Cultural Stewardship
Church music is at the same time a living form of cultural stewardship: the immensely rich repertoire of sacred music is a cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved, kept alive and passed on. It is not without reason that, in late 2017, UNESCO declared organ building and organ music part of the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ – the justification highlights above all the synthesis of tradition and innovation.
Church Music in Practice
What I teach, I also like to practice myself. Practical work in church music therefore plays a central part for me, both at the university and in the church congregation.
University Organist of MLU Halle
Being able to work as a church musician besides teaching as the University Organist of Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg means a great deal to me. The university services, held fortnightly during term, I design together with different musical partners. Thus I remain closely connected with what I pass on to my students.
Church Music at the Neumünster Zürich (2016–2021)
From 2016 to 2021 I had the wonderful task of making music at the Reformed Neumünster Church in Zurich, Switzerland. Together with my fellow musicians and in consultation with the parish, I conceived, planned and shaped the church music at the Neumünster as organist and cantor.
Besides playing the organ in the Sunday and feast-day services, my work included planning and carrying out concerts and concert series of the most varied kinds, as well as shaping services in retirement homes or with children and families.
Choral Conducting: Cantolino and TonArt Zürich
In addition to my work as an organist, I directed the project choir ‘Cantolino’ and the independent chamber choir ‘TonArt Zürich’ – and so had the opportunity to work on both easily accessible hymns and complex choral music.
Through my work as a church musician, I hope to be able to touch people, and in this way to make my contribution to the proclamation of the Gospel.
I give the highest place after theology to music. This is clear from the example of David and all the prophets, who expressed everything they had to say in metre and song.
Martin Luther (1483–1546)