Borderless singing in Suderwick well attended

The Euregio Deutschland-Nederland programme supports projects that promote cross-border cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands. The choir concert "Grenzenlos singen-EUREGIO Chorkonzert" on 5 November was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland programme. The German and Dutch concert guests were treated to a varied programme.

On Sunday, 5 November, the four "Knikkink Choirs" conducted by Frank Knikkink gave their first joint concert in the packed St. Michael's Church in Suderwick. The cross-border choir project raised tense expectations among the more than 60 active musicians from Suderwick, Dinxperlo, Breedenbroek, Silvolde and Hummelo, as no tickets were sold and only a voluntary donation was requested at the end. The concert was preceded by numerous joint rehearsals at all locations of the individual choirs.

The "Borderless Singing-EUREGIO Choir Concert" project was made possible by the Germany-Nederland Interreg programme and co-financed by the European Union. EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt supported the volunteers with the application.

The audience was put in the mood with the many-voiced, dynamic "Jubilate", an old chorale from the Tsarist era for Thanksgiving from the Russian Orthodox Church. In addition to other spiritual works such as gospels and Taizé songs, the programme included a number of world hits, such as "Somewhere" from the Westside Story, hits by the Beatles and other artists. The concert was rounded off with the "Zottelmarsch", an a cappella parody of a brass band and the world hit "You'll Never Walk Alone". This hit is now often sung with thousands of voices as an anthem in large football stadiums," said Rosi Tuente from the concert organising team. Joop Kraan led through the programme with his lively, enthusiastic presentation. Henk Bennink accompanied the choirs on the piano and organ and played J.S. Bach's Toccata as a solo piece in a skilful and accentuated manner.

"The deep, human longing for love, tranquillity, security and peace, as well as mindfulness among people were expressed again and again as a striking common thread," said Rosi Tuente. As choir chairwoman of the host St Michael's Choir, she wished at the end "that the songs would resonate in the visitors as sung pleas and fill them with confidence and hope at a time when the world is threatening to tear itself apart due to misunderstandings and catastrophes."

The "Borderless Singing-EUREGIO Choir Concert" project was made possible by the Interreg Germany-Nederland programme and co-financed by the European Union. EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt supported the volunteers with the application.