On the Saturday before the 1st Sunday of Advent, the winter cycle of midday praise and music at market time begins again in the parish church of St. Jakob in Schwandorf.
Around 700 lunchtime concerts have been organized by deanery church musician Norbert Hintermeier since this contemplative series of events was introduced 22 years ago.
On Saturdays at 12 p.m. the prayer bell rings with the “Angel of the Lord” (“Angelus”) to begin this Sunday mood. The first event, which will take place on Saturday, November 30th, will be organized by the parish’s church musician, Maria Pritzel, and Norbert Hintermeier.
Meditations for Advent are on the program on December 7th. Pastoral speaker Alfred Gassner will read texts and Norbert Hintermeier will provide musical additions with appropriate organ meditations.
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Before the third Sunday of Advent, music for clarinet and organ by Alfons Neisberger and Norbert Hintermeier will be presented. In addition to compositions about well-known Advent songs, pieces of music and pastoral works by Georg Friedrich Handel, Georg Philipp Telemann and Norbert Hintermeier are played.
On December 21st, the “Collegium musicum” will play festive string music with Robert Traurig and Johann Wiendl. On the Saturday after the Christmas holidays, intimate tunes for zither will be heard, interpreted by Dennis Ruß. These are supplemented with corresponding organ works.
Two more events will take place in the new year: On January 4th, Hintermeier will play “Christmas Organ Music” and on January 11th, Johanna Liebl (transverse flute) and Carina Geck (clarinet), from the Teublitz brass band, will conclude this winter cycle together with Norbert Hintermeier.
How has the tradition of midday praise and music at market time evolved over the years in St. Jakob’s parish, and what specific aspects contribute to its uniqueness?
1) Can you tell me more about the midday praise and music at market time series that takes place in the parish church of St. Jakob in Schwandorf? How did this tradition start, and what makes it unique?
2) As a church musician, what goes into planning and organizing these weekly events during the winter cycle? How do you choose the performers and the pieces of music that will be featured?
3) This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the winter cycle. What changes, if any, have you noticed in the attendance or interest over the years? Does the program ever evolve to reflect new trends or cultural shifts?
4) What role does the church music play in the overall atmosphere and theme of Advent in Schwandorf during this time? How does it differ from other times of the year?
5) As a guest musician, what can people expect from the upcoming events on December 7th and December 21st? What should they look forward to, and how does your performance tie into the season of Advent?
6) Can you share any future plans or goals for the music program at St. Jakob church? Are there any new events or collaborations in the works?
7) Are there any opportunities for members of the community to get involved or learn more about the music program at St. Jakob? How can they support the ongoing work of the church musicians?
8) what would you like readers to take away from the midday praise and music at market time series? Is there anything special you’d like them to know about the experience or its significance within the community?
