"Eastward Progression of the Gospel" exuberantly marks its two-decade milestone
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Stuttgart-based gospel choir "Gospel in the East" delighted residents with three impromptu performances, or flash mobs, across the city center on Saturday morning. Despite the festive atmosphere, a serious note underpinned the event as the choir expressed concern about the future of their rehearsal space, the Friedenskirche in eastern Stuttgart.
At 10:02 AM, an unusual hush fell upon the Stuttgart City Library, as hundreds of people seemingly aimlessly distributed themselves across several floors. However, the air of tension quickly gave way to exuberant singing, as the choir initiated their first flash mob. Spontaneous applause and cheers echoed as passersby joined in, albeit for a single song.
With their next stop at the Stiftskirche at 11 AM, the choir recruited significantly more onlookers who became captivated witnesses to the resounding harmonies of the second flash mob. Many spectators joined the chorus without hesitation, while others clapped along to the lively beats. The emotional experience left Elke Friedlein (55) and Bernd Friedlein (71)—unexpected attendees—deeply moved.
The final flash mob took place at 11:20 AM on Schlossplatz, a bustling area teeming with family festivalgoers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and weekend shoppers. The energy was palpable as around 750 singers gathered on the steps in front of the Königsbau, captivating onlookers with their powerful, jubilant melodies.
For Lisa Benezan, who has been singing with the choir for ten years and helped organize the flash mobs, the 20th anniversary is a significant milestone that calls for celebration. "Gospel in the East," begun in 2005 with around 20 members in Heilandskirche, has since evolved into one of Germany's largest gospel projects, open to all age groups, denominations, and musical backgrounds. "Anyone can join and sing along; there's no audition," Benezan said. With over 600 members between the ages of eleven and eighty, the choir reached nearly 1000 participants during the festival week, collaborating with partner choirs from within and outside the country.
The whirlwind of events included a large concert on Schillerplatz on Thursday and concludes with a concert at the MHPArena Ludwigsburg on Saturday evening, marking the end of the anniversary week. However, despite the joyous occasion, the choir remains uneasy about the future of their rehearsal space, the Friedenskirche, which has been deemed unnecessary in their current location. A petition is already underway to secure the church's preservation.
During the flash mobs, the audience joined in with the choir's powerful gospel music, creating a unique blend of entertainment and music across different locations in Stuttgart. In response to the looming threat of losing their rehearsal space, the Friedenskirche, the choir's members have launched a petition to preserve the church and secure its future.
