Reward for Church Music Composition Given to Gisela Karlin by Solideo Church
In the heart of Ingolstadt, the St. Markus church community gathered on September 14, 2025, to celebrate a remarkable milestone. The occasion was the presentation of the prestigious Soli Deo Gloria Needle, the highest award in church music, to Gisela Karlin, a beloved figure who has dedicated half a century to the community.
Rev. Dr. Kühn and other members of the church council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Gisela Karlin in both morning services, recognizing her significant contributions to the church and its music. The congregation reacted with long-lasting applause and great joy to the award given to this dedicated musician.
The Soli Deo Gloria Needle is an award given every six years by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria in the deanery of Ingolstadt. It is bestowed upon individuals who have made a special contribution to church music, either as professionals or volunteers. Over the years, Gisela Karlin led numerous flute ensembles and choirs with joy and dedication, inspiring generations of children who learned the flute and piano from her.
Gisela Karlin's personal highlights were especially the Advent concerts and children's concerts with over 60 participants. Her commitment to music has been unwavering, as she still says, "A Sunday on which I do not sit at the organ is not a Sunday for me." This dedication mirrors the guiding principle of church music, "Soli Deo Gloria," which was first used by the composer Johann Sebastian Bach and signifies glory to God alone.
The Soli Deo Gloria Needle is endowed with 1,000 euros, and the money from the award is intended to be used for musical work in the local church community. Gisela Karlin has already handed over the leadership of the Gospel choir Good News to Benedikt Schäfer two years ago, ensuring that her legacy continues to flourish in the St. Markus community.
As Gisela Karlin celebrated her 50-year anniversary of service in the St. Markus church community on New Year's Day 2025, the presentation of the Soli Deo Gloria Needle serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment and the profound impact she has had on the lives of many within the community. Church Music Director Oliver Scheffels, who gave the laudation for Gisela Karlin, having met her 35 years ago, shared that the award was well-deserved and a fitting tribute to her lifelong service.
