Christmas Concert Under the Reichstag Dome - Christmas Concert Under the Reichstag Dome
The German Bundestag hosted its annual Advent sing-along in 2025, but this year marked a special first. Giovanni Zarrella became the first professional musician to perform as a guest at the event. The gathering took place amid a busy parliamentary schedule, offering a moment of festive reflection for lawmakers.
The sing-along unfolded in the glass dome of the Reichstag building, rather than a formal concert hall. Zarrella worked with Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to select the programme, which included timeless carols like Ave Maria, O du Fröhliche, and Silent Night. Members of parliament joined in, their voices filling the space as they sang along to the familiar tunes.
Earlier in the day, lawmakers had focused on weighty debates, including aviation security reforms, nuclear transport rules, and discussions on the Ukraine summit in Berlin. The sing-along itself was not part of the official agenda but provided a brief pause in proceedings. After the performance, Zarrella shared a video on Instagram, calling the experience an honour. He highlighted the importance of music, especially during difficult periods, and described the event as a moving moment for all involved.
The Advent sing-along brought together politicians in a rare moment of shared celebration. Zarrella’s performance, the first by a professional artist at the event, added a new dimension to the tradition. The gathering concluded as lawmakers prepared for their final plenary session of the year.
