Over 70 and full of energy: The Heaven Can Wait Choir rocks Hamburg!

Over 70 and full of energy: The Heaven Can Wait Choir rocks Hamburg!

In the St. Pauli Theater in Hamburg, the "Heaven Can Wait Choir" enchants its audience. Wolfgang Merkens, the youngest member at the age of 70, is proud of the stage. The choir, headed by Jan-Christoph Scheibe since its foundation 13 years ago, consists of 45 singers whose age is between 70 and 93 years old and offers an exciting mix of classic songs. Instead, the choir interprets modern hits from the areas of rap, pop and rock and thus has a wide range of young music in the repertoire. Particularly noteworthy are songs by artists such as Taylor Swift and Mark Forster, who receive a new meaning through the life stories of the older singers.

The appearance belongs to a Germany -wide tour that was originally only planned as a temporary project in the St. Pauli Theater. Due to the enthusiasm and energy that the choir radiates, it has developed into an integral part of the cultural scene. Merken, who was enthusiastic about the dynamics of the choir during a performance, really wanted to be more than one spectator and joined the ensemble. The premiere was sold out and the audience reacted to the performance with standing ovations. The focus of the choir rehearsals was on the expression and fun of singing, but the short preparation time prepared some members nervously for the premiere, which did not affect the appearance.

a new approach to senior music

The concept of the choir goes beyond the mere performance of music. The positive effects of singing on physical and cognitive fitness of older people are now well documented. Whether by relieving loneliness or slowing down from dementia processes - singing together promotes well -being and social interaction. This is reflected, for example, in the high number of participants in senior choirs, such as the choir in the Augustinum in Munich, which also attaches great importance to adapted voice training.

In "Heaven Can Wait", great importance is attached to emotional connection. The choir director encourages the members to express their feelings on stage. The current program includes your own songs that tell stories about topics such as happiness and death. Moni, a choir member, expresses the desire for self -realization and earlier emancipation in a documentary about the choir. Another singer, Volker Busenbinder, expresses his joie de vivre with the song "Wow, I Feel Good".

A look into the future

The documentary "Heaven Can Wait-We Live now", an NDR co-production, emphasizes the joie de vivre and inspiration of the choir members. Director Sven Halfar shows how music influences the life of the elderly and helps them find joy in old age. The film not only documents the choir's artistic skills, but also received the audience award at the Hamburg Film Festival, which underlines its relevance and attraction. The choir plans to continue inspiration for his audience with further tours and performances and to spread his message of joie de vivre.

The positive experiences of the members, such as Merkens, reflect the opportunity to reinvent themselves in old age. Singing offers a platform for community and self -esteem and shows that you can still be active and creative even in old age. The step to venture onto the stage for many is an expression of freedom and community, similar to what Oktavia Riem describes that actively sings in the senior choir and appreciates the community found in it.

The "Heaven Can Wait Choir" is more than just a musical performance. It is a symbol for singing singing, fulfilled with joy and can enrich life sustainably even in old age. It is the joy of making music and the community that make every performance unforgettable.

For more information about the choir and its exciting projects, visit Dewezet , Find out more about the documentary at the ndr or read about the advantages of singing at Br-Klassik .