“As long as people make music with joy and aspiration, I’m there”

Peace and hope are particularly sought after during the Christmas season, but the empty words usually remain empty. It’s different with the Hollabrunn Gospel Choir – they’re really serious about it. And in order to bring gospel music to the audience with even greater verve and enthusiasm, chairwoman Marianne Graf looked for a new choir director after Anna-Maria Wolf said goodbye. She found what she was looking for with Joachim Celoud.

He will lead the two December concerts on the 10th (Sunday) at 4 p.m. in Ravelsbach, on the occasion of the Advent market, and in the Gartenstadtkirche in Hollabrunn on the 16th (Saturday) at 6:30 p.m. The motto of the two Christmas concerts is: “Go, tell it on the mountain”. NÖN spoke to Joachim Celoud about his commitment to this very special choir formation, the values ​​the choir stands for and common goals.

NÖN: How did you and the gospel choir come together?

Joachim Celoud: After Anna-Maria Wolf said goodbye, chairwoman Marianne Graf was looking for a new choir director who was enthusiastic about gospel music and wanted to support the choir’s intentions. I started rehearsals in late summer 2022 and there have already been a few performances.

What is the appeal of this particular choir formation?

Celoud: Marianne Graf conveyed to me that the choir would like to pass on the message of gospel music to many people. The choir sings in the original language and from memory, also in order to credibly and enthusiastically express the hope and strength anchored in the texts and music. An amateur choir that wants to make a contribution to peace in the world. Choir’s motto: Let’s learn to dance in the rain instead of waiting for the sun! For me personally, it is also the case that gospel – as a root of pop music – needs an appropriate choral sound and – as a very emotional Christian spiritual music – should also convey an appropriate mood.

What accents would you like to set as a choir director?

Celoud: With my work I would like to contribute to ensuring that the choir can achieve the musical goals already mentioned. During the performance, I would like the choir, our accompanying band and I to be able to convey enthusiasm with emotional involvement – power – but also with the best possible rehearsal.

Will there be a longer collaboration between you and the choir?

Celoud: So far I have received good feedback from my singers and our audience. My predecessor Anna-Maria Wolf also praised my work, which I was very happy about. As long as there are people who want to make music with joy and a certain standard, I’m happy to be there.

Chairwoman Marianne Graf adds: “I knew your enthusiasm for music from music lessons at school. Since we have gained a lot through your efforts and have become stronger in expression and enthusiasm, I hope that you will be with us for a long time.”