… differently than expected. Mischa has already cancelled the biscuit baking. (…!…) Instead, there is a wonderful celebration for you on 21 December! Yes, you out there anywhere in the world. Yes, we mean exactly you!
Since 1996, as many as 1000 people have met to sing under the direction of the enchanting Susanna Maeder. Being there was a precious gift.
2020 is different: this time the gift can be even more precious, the soul even more nourished, the heart even more warmed. If we all join in at home … wow! … to build up this wonderful field of connection, to carry it together … Do you feel the same way, does the thought also flood you with joy? Then join in, no one needs to hear you, sing along at the top of your voice. You can also do it very silently.
For me, this event was a highlight of the year. I didn’t want to let it go unsung this year.”
Open Singing 2020 as a livestream!
On Monday, 21 December 2020 from 8 – 9 p.m. (Central European time)
Here is the link: https://vimeo.com/487998493
Singing at the Winter Solstice has a really long tradition. It takes place in the church of St. Karl in Lucerne. Interestingly, this is the church of my youth with very loop-sided religious memories. But on these occasions nowadays, Mischa and I were surprised and impressed by songs and mantras from foreign cultures and different religions (in English, Indian, Swiss).
This year, Susanna and her musicians would like to invite people to sing along for an hour. She says “would like” because the current situation is delicate and uncertain. “Planning has become almost impossible. 2020 has taught me to let go of likes and dislikes and just tune in with how things are right now.” We made the same experience as well. Who knows, maybe this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Come what may, the livestream is firmly in Susanna’s focus. She says in her invitation: “I would be very happy if we could weave a common field during this time. Connect with it, join the field of singers. Be it alone or with others, outside in nature and night or inside in a warm living room. Light a fire or candles and connect with us.”
There will be a document on Susanna’s website with the song lyrics plus guitar chords to go with it. For you to print out, sing along and make music. Also to get to know Susanna please visit her website: susanna-maeder.ch
We wish you a wholesome Advent and thrills of anticipation for the 21st of December!
René and Mischa
(This is a translation from the German original.)