A breath of fresh air in Nortorf: musician Hansen brings new impetus to the ensemble

A breath of fresh air in Nortorf: musician Hansen brings new impetus to the ensemble

In Nortorf a fresh wind blows through the musical blessings of the St. Martin Parish. 36-year-old Markus Hansen, recently appointed to office, has founded an instrumental music group that enriches the community with fresh sounds and a colorful repertoire. Seven musicians between the ages of 40 and 70, mostly female, are already playing eagerly in the new group. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in St. Mark's House or in the church and the instrumentation is varied: everything from guitar and clarinet to trombone and saxophone is offered here.

The group already had its first public appearance at the Pentecost service. Their repertoire includes not only classical church music, but also modern pieces such as tango and German compositions. The musicians are looking for more talent and are opening their doors to new instruments. Hansen reports that making music together not only nourishes the soul, but also strengthens community bonds.

A new church musician with experience

The filling of the position had become necessary in order to continue the church music activities of the community. The Nortorf parish has created a full church musician position, underscoring the value of music within the community. Hansen has already made a name for himself in the region. His training in musicology and church music at renowned universities has prepared him well for his new role. He holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in musicology and a diploma in church music from the University of Greifswald.

Originally from Rostock, Hansen moved to Magdeburg after his studies, where he worked in early musical education and church music. After his return to the north, he would now like to bring his expertise to Nortorf and plans to integrate tried and tested things and try out new things together with the two pastors.

Further musical engagement

Hansen is responsible for a variety of musical activities in the community. He leads the choir, a mixed choir with 45 members, a children's choir with 15 singers and a youth choir with 10 members. He also leads an orchestra with 30 musicians that accompanies church services, baptisms, weddings and funeral ceremonies. His vision is to create a varied and lively musical life in the community and to strengthen the promotion of young talent in the choirs.

The training for his position meets the demanding requirements of a professional church musician, which is also the case in... German Music Information Center are defined. There, church music training is described as particularly challenging, which is reflected in the high artistic, scientific and, increasingly, pedagogical talent of the graduates.

Markus Hansen will lead his first service in the “Winter Church” in the Markushaus on February 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. and the congregation can look forward to an enriching musical contribution.