Music and words at market time: organ sounds in the town church of Celle!

Music and words at market time: organ sounds in the town church of Celle!

Next Saturday, July 19, 2025, it's that time again: the Celle city church invites you to the popular event series "an(ge)dacht" at 12 p.m. Under the direction of organist Holger Brandt from Walsrode, visitors can expect a musical treat that provides a break from everyday life for half an hour. The program opens with the sounds of “Fantasy and Fugue in C minor” and introduces the works of the composer Georg Böhm, who is not the focus of the afternoon for nothing. Böhm had a significant influence on the great Johann Sebastian Bach during his school days in Lüneburg.

The afternoon will be complemented by the performance of the chorale arrangement “Our Father in the Kingdom of Heaven” and the cycle “Rejoice greatly, O my soul”. Gabriele Ahnert-Sundermann, who is responsible for the text, will accompany the musical performances with appropriate words. “an(ge)dacht” not only offers space for music, but also for reflection and exchange with others, which suits the concept of the series very well Celle Church website explained.

A place of peace and reflection

The series “an(ge)dacht” will take place from June to September 2025 in the town church of St. Marien and takes place every Saturday at 12 p.m. The idea behind it is simple and yet profound: pause, listen and gain strength in the often stressful everyday life. On these Saturdays, music and spiritual impulses are combined and artists from Celle, the church district and external guests can be enthusiastic. For example, Negin Habibi showed off her skills on the concert guitar on June 7th and proved that the musical wealth in Celle is diverse.

For those who especially love baroque sounds, things will be exciting on June 21st: in this context, the soprano Kerstin Weise and the recorder ensemble with Gerald Splitt will present works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Friedrich Händel and Georg Philipp Telemann. The News about Lower Saxony describe this period of music as ornate and harmonically complex, pointing to a deep influence on modern musical styles such as jazz and pop.

Cultural participation for everyone

The series aims to promote cultural participation and provide access to classical music for a broad audience. Admission is free, but donations are requested at the exit in order to be able to finance future events. The last dates attended show that the concept works: from the Riccarda Schikarski duo to ensemble contributions from the region – the diversity guarantees a varied program.

A look at the other dates: In August, guests can expect an organ program with Lothar Mohn and the Rhegius Quartet, and in September there are already highlights on the agenda such as a concert with Elisabeth Michaelis and Benjamin Dippel, the new regional church music director. 

This series will be an oasis of reflection and joy in the Celle town church - so don't miss it when music and words flow together to draw new energy!