The Cologne MARKUS REINHARDT ENSEMBLE is once again acting as the host of our annual Advent tradition of musical bridges. Thanks to its amazingly broad repertoire, ranging from Gypsy Swing to Eastern European folklore to Soul and Rap, there will be exciting collaborations with the guests here as well.

Line-up: Markus Reinhardt – Violin, Janko Wiegand – Rhythm Guitar, Zoltán Püsky – Solo Guitar, Smeili Adler – Solo Guitar, Jungeli Albrecht – Double Bass.

This time we are looking forward to Joscho Stephan with his trio, a virtuoso in solo play and representative of modern Gypsy Swing.

Various cultures and religions around the world understand the onset of winter with the darkest day of the year as the first glimmer of light: People come together, reflect on shared traditions, and create encounters with attention and love. During the dark season, numerous light festivals worldwide emphasize communal connectedness and human togetherness: the Christian Christmas, the Jewish Hanukkah, the Thai Loy Krathong, the Chinese Lantern Festival Tangyuan, and the Hindu Diwali. We celebrate the festival of lights and encounters in the Luther Church with musical representatives of the three major religions.

This year we are particularly looking forward to two award-winning musicians from Kolkata. The tabla virtuoso and winner of this year's Global Music Awards, Abhirup Roy, along with the equally renowned sitar player Deepsankar Bhattacharjee. The evening will be framed by songs in various languages from Mesopotamia, sung by an intercultural choir under the direction of Mehmet Akbaş. In keeping with the occasion, Hans Mörtter, the pastor in a state of unrest, will present thoughts on important current issues. The violinist Christoph Broll will interpret the words musically in real-time, and a Sufi Whirling performance by LUSNIKA will visually round off the atmospheric evening.

1. INTERCULTURAL CHOIR, CONDUCTED BY MEHMET AKBAS
The choir, led by Mehmet Akbaş, sings Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Azerbaijani, and Zazaki songs that promote greater international understanding. The choir consists of people from Cologne across three generations, from different faiths with diverse cultural roots. 

Composition:
Mehmet Emin Alici, Saz, Tembur 
Irmak Karaca, Guitar
Nurullah Turgut, Percussion

2. HANS MÖRTTER & CHRISTOPH BROLL
In keeping with the occasion, Hans Mörtter, the pastor in a state of unrest, will present thoughts on important current issues. The violinist Christoph Broll will musically interpret the words in real-time.

Christoph Broll
began his lessons in violin and piano at the age of five. At the age of 15, he drew additional inspiration and confidence from Mechthild Stein. The piano methodology of Carl A. Martiensen and Prof. Max Martin Stein, a godchild of Max Reger, guided the young musician during his studies at the Cologne University of Music (Classical Piano) and the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Arnhem NL (Jazz Violin). For Broll, universal music styles convey authentic and spiritual powers.

Hans Mörtter
the pastor in a state of unrest, has successfully realized numerous social projects, including being active on the topics of refugees, child poverty (e.g., Christmas wish action), socially disadvantaged individuals (e.g., single parents and the homeless), climate catastrophe, and so on… He has often been referred to as "the moral conscience of Cologne" due to his "statements" into society. He often does this in collaboration with musicians.

3. ABHIRUP ROY (Winner of the Global Music Awards 2024) & DEEPSANKAR BHATTACHARJEE
Abhirup Roy is a highly versatile and talented young tabla virtuoso from Kolkata, India. He belongs to a Gharana (a specific approach that represents the musicology of a particular performance style, which includes aesthetics, taste, and a touch of tradition) that is inherently royal and extremely rich in foundations, namely the Benaras Gharana.  He is one of the representatives of the new genre of the tabla instrument and is dedicated to bringing the popularity of the instrument along with the traditional playing style to new and greater heights.
Roys musical journey began at the age of two and a half with his father, and at six, he completed his advanced Taalim in tabla with Pandit Kumar Bose. Over the years, he learned the various dynamics and philosophy of the Benaras Gharana. Abhirup has mastered the distinctive playing style, especially the "Baayan," of his guru Pandit Kumar Bose with great grace. He had to earn not only the compositions but also prove that he could play in concerts of his guru. In addition to his Taalim processes, he also assisted Pandit Bose with his various compositions, research, and concerts.

Deepsankar Bhattacharjee
“Sur-Moni” Deepsankar is the fourth-generation sitarist from an enlightened musician family. He began his musical journey at a tender age under the guidance of his father, Pandit Hara Shankar Bhattacharya. He was also trained under the attentive guidance of his dadaguru, Padmabhushan Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan Saheb. He is the torchbearer of the JAFFERKHANI BAAJ, a unique style of sitar playing created and perfected by Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan Saheb.
Deepsankar is an “A-GRADE” sitarist from ALL INDIA RADIO. His performances at many venues in India, in New York, and in many different cities across almost all countries in Europe have been highly appreciated by connoisseurs and laypeople alike. Deepsankar has been awarded several gold medals and titles from various organizations around the world, such as at NCPA, Mumbai, All BENGAL MUSIC FESTIVAL, GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL, and many more.

With DJ Micman through the years
Our motto: Lots of dancing, food a bit smaller for in-between hunger

Presale starts in October 2024!

We wish you all a happy new year and a wonderful 2025!

Everyone dances along! In pairs, in circles, in chains, in groups of multiple people or alone. Live music, fun, joy of movement, and sociability in a special atmosphere. This doesn’t sound like a dusty and rigid dance event – and it isn’t. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings in Germany that are becoming increasingly popular. At BAL FOLK, the dances of the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the composition of the dance mix depending on what the band plays. It’s not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing – the dance of the day is practiced by everyone at the beginning. Dancing provides a good balance to everyday school, study, or work life. 

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether with or without dance experience and completely free of competition or performance pressure, as we know it from sports, for example. During the balls, dance partners are playfully exchanged so that no one needs a fixed dance partner. People of different ages, social, and geographical-cultural backgrounds come together casually and dance – completely without a dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

Current live band will follow here soon …

Instruction: There will be an instruction for some dances between 4 and 5 PM. No prior knowledge is required. 

Bring-along buffet – everyone is cordially invited to bring something simple finger food. Drinks will be sold by the team of Luther Church, as at any event. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with BalFolk Köln

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We are happy to reserve a corresponding place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

Everyone dances along! In pairs, in circles, in chains, in groups of multiple people or alone. Live music, fun, joy of movement, and sociability in a special atmosphere. This doesn’t sound like a dusty and rigid dance event – and it isn’t. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings in Germany that are becoming increasingly popular. At BAL FOLK, the dances of the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the composition of the dance mix depending on what the band plays. It’s not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing – the dance of the day is practiced by everyone at the beginning. Dancing provides a good balance to everyday school, study, or work life. 

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether with or without dance experience and completely free of competition or performance pressure, as we know it from sports, for example. During the balls, dance partners are playfully exchanged so that no one needs a fixed dance partner. People of different ages, social, and geographical-cultural backgrounds come together casually and dance – completely without a dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

Current live band will follow here soon …

Instruction: There will be an instruction for some dances between 4 and 5 PM. No prior knowledge is required. 

Bring-along buffet – everyone is cordially invited to bring something simple finger food. Drinks will be sold by the team of Luther Church, as at any event. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with BalFolk Köln

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We are happy to reserve a corresponding place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

Everyone dances along! In pairs, in circles, in chains, in groups of multiple people or alone. Live music, fun, joy of movement, and sociability in a special atmosphere. This doesn’t sound like a dusty and rigid dance event – and it isn’t. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings in Germany that are becoming increasingly popular. At BAL FOLK, the dances of the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the composition of the dance mix depending on what the band plays. It’s not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing – the dance of the day is practiced by everyone at the beginning. Dancing provides a good balance to everyday school, study, or work life. 

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether with or without dance experience and completely free of competition or performance pressure, as we know it from sports, for example. During the balls, dance partners are playfully exchanged so that no one needs a fixed dance partner. People of different ages, social, and geographical-cultural backgrounds come together casually and dance – completely without a dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

Current live band will follow here soon …

Instruction: There will be an instruction for some dances between 4 and 5 PM. No prior knowledge is required. 

Bring-along buffet – everyone is cordially invited to bring something simple finger food. Drinks will be sold by the team of Luther Church, as at any event. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with BalFolk Köln

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We are happy to reserve a corresponding place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

Everyone dances along! In pairs, in circles, in chains, in groups of multiple people or alone. Live music, fun, joy of movement, and sociability in a special atmosphere. This doesn’t sound like a dusty and rigid dance event – and it isn’t. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings in Germany that are becoming increasingly popular. At BAL FOLK, the dances of the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the composition of the dance mix depending on what the band plays. It’s not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing – the dance of the day is practiced by everyone at the beginning. Dancing provides a good balance to everyday school, study, or work life. 

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether with or without dance experience and completely free of competition or performance pressure, as we know it from sports, for example. During the balls, dance partners are playfully exchanged so that no one needs a fixed dance partner. People of different ages, social, and geographical-cultural backgrounds come together casually and dance – completely without a dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

Current live band will follow here soon …

Instruction: There will be an instruction for some dances between 4 and 5 PM. No prior knowledge is required. 

Bring-along buffet – everyone is cordially invited to bring something simple finger food. Drinks will be sold by the team of Luther Church, as at any event. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with BalFolk Köln

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We are happy to reserve a corresponding place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

A musical bridge from Southeast Europe across the Mediterranean to Germany

The unique Greek-German band with Kurdish influences promises a concert experience of the highest quality. Gefyra, which means "bridge" in Greek, masterfully connects the Orient with Europe. With their eight talented musicians, they present a diverse repertoire deeply rooted in Greek folk music, but also incorporating influences from the Balkans, Turkey, and Kurdistan. 

Let yourself be enchanted by the captivating sounds that tell stories of social injustice, love, passion, and zest for life. Gefyra's music is more than just entertainment – it is a poetic journey through myths, heroism, melancholy, and romance. The band, which has already thrilled the audience at the Luther Church in Cologne several times, offers a fireworks display of emotions: political, poetic, and with great musical performance.

As guest musicians this time, the singer Sofia Papazoglou and star violinist Kyriakos Gkouventas are invited! Actress Anna Röser will present the concept that connects peoples. 

An evening that builds bridges and touches hearts 

Line-up
Sofia Papazoglou (Vocals) 
Kyriakos Gkouventas (Violin)
Mariastella Tzanoudaki (Vocals), Özgur Murat (Vocals, Kaval), Spiros Patras (Bouzouki, Vocals), Dasho Kourti (Accordion), Vasilis Ketetzonglou (Classical Guitar), Evi Kanelou(Percussion), Spiros Asonitis (Guitar, Vocals), Nikos Tsachtiziris (Double Bass)

New York City, the pulsating metropolis, is a magical magnet for many. “If I Can Make It here, I’m Gonna Make It Anywhere” sang Frank Sinatra about the city on the Hudson River. And even though not everyone dreams of emigrating to NYC, it is hard to find someone who doesn’t dream of being there at least once in their lifetime. For all those who have never been to the "Big Apple", the concert organizer RGV Event GmbH is now bringing a piece of New York to Germany, the gospel from Harlem.

Grammy Award winner Reverend Gregory M. Kelly, who has worked with music legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, is coming with his choir to Germany for over 40 dates in December 2023 and January 2024. The individual singers of the ensemble read like a Who's Who of the active US gospel scene. Among REV. GREGORY M. KELLY & the BEST OF HARLEM GOSPEL are high-caliber names like Reverend Dr. Charles R. Lyles, Timothy Riley, Steven McCaster, Dorrey Lin Lyles, Segdrick Marsh. In total, nine voices that transport the indescribable atmosphere of Harlem's gospel churches to churches and concert halls in Germany. 

Harlem – the neighborhood in New York's Manhattan – is still famous for the flourishing of African American culture in the 1920s, known as the "Harlem Renaissance," which drew legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to this very neighborhood. And even today, Harlem proudly displays its African American roots, its vibrant culture, its steadfast faith, and musical rhythm.

REV. GREGORY M. KELLY & the BEST OF HARLEM GOSPEL brings pure joy of life, energy, and dynamism, as experienced in every service in the churches of New York's neighborhoods. A two-hour program that offers everything that makes gospel music so unique, captivating, and moving. The choir's repertoire includes both traditional and Christmas-related gospels – ranging from famous and widely loved gospel classics like “Oh happy day” and “Amen” to “Whole world in his hands” and “Go, tell it on the mountain”.

A gospel choir that is unlike any other gospel formation. Here, religion plays as important and fundamental a role as in the lives of the people of Harlem. Because nothing else is the religion lived in Harlem: music and singing in the name of the Lord. But regardless of whether young or old, Catholic or Protestant, non-denominational or still unbelieving, everyone is welcome at the concerts. 

Unmistakable with voice and Cretan lyra 

Georgia Dagaki is a Greek singer who is constantly evolving and captivating her audience with her music, her Cretan lyra, and her unmistakable voice. Her ability to combine traditional Greek music with modern elements makes her a unique figure in the contemporary music scene. Her program is characterized by dynamics, virtuosity, and passion, which stand in perfect balance. Dagakis repertoire includes both her own compositions and cover versions. 

Some of her well-known songs include: “Cloud I will become,” “Same mistake,” “The heart does not say to learn,” “Just me,” “My dance.” These pieces, along with her unique interpretations of popular covers, form the heart of her performances.

Georgia Dagaki was born in 1982 in Athens.  Her musical journey began at the age of 12 when she started playing the piano. Today, after twenty years in the music industry, she has established herself as a remarkable artist and has experienced an impressive rise in the music world over the past two decades. Her latest album “Aperanti Eftihia” (Infinite Happiness) showcases her artistic development and her ability to touch and entertain her audience. In winter 2024, Dagaki released the EP “Short Distance,” which received high praise from critics. The track “Matala” from this EP garnered over a million views on TikTok and Instagram, highlighting her ongoing relevance and popularity in the digital age. 

Throughout her career, Georgia Dagaki has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Eric Burdon and the Animals, Goran Bregovic, Violent Femmes. These collaborations have undoubtedly broadened her musical horizons and influenced her unique style.

“For me, it has always been a ‘short distance’ to bring together my own musical favorite worlds,” she tells us. “Worlds that reflect yesterday and today, and which ultimately merge so harmoniously in the now, as if they had always existed. The way I perceive Cretan music, and the psychedelia it carries for me, has always been and will always be something special in my ears. I have long searched for a new dimension that brings the Cretan lyre closer to Western forms and sounds and to the sounds of electronic music, the beat, without losing its own, so intense, dynamic, and unchangeable character.”

Cast:
Georgia Dagaki, vocals / P.P. Gorgoorgos – pan / Vangelis Karapetros – vocals, bass / Apostolis Karpontinis – lute, guitar / Panos Georgopoulos – guitar / Yannis Rizopoulos – drums

*This text is written in female pronouns, although the artist identifies with all genders.

Meera Eilabouni is a multitalented, multi-instrumental, and multilingual queer artist who expresses the message of unity and love in each of her works. Through pain, she finds hope again in her lyrics and music.

Meera discovered music as the key to reach the hearts of people where change can take place. Just as the music of Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Metallica, and many other rock bands helped her through difficulties, her music today gives listeners a place to overcome pain, to dare to be who they are, and to celebrate oneness. And just like her inspirations, her music is also a blend of blues, rock, reggae, and new-age sounds that give her musical journey a narrative ambiance.

She grew up in a Christian-Arab family in the small village of Eilaboun in northern Palestine/Israel. The political conflict in the region prompted her to perform her music at many peace events throughout the country, making her an icon for peace.
Since her youth, Meera has collaborated with various artists on different projects to create a better reality. One of her first songs, “Love is the Religion,” she wrote at 16 to find commonalities among the people in her society, which was very polarized and violent. This song, written in Arabic and later translated into Hebrew, helped her bring people from different backgrounds together through music when it was most needed.

One of the first events Meera participated in was a healing singing circle at the old church in Eilaboun, the only Palestinian village that returned after the evacuation during the Nakba in 1948. There she met Diane Kaplan, an American-Jewish musician and daughter of Holocaust survivors. Together, they founded the band “Three Women Three Mother Tongues” in 2014. In 2016, the band opened the “March of Hope for Women Wage Peace,” where Meera continued marching to Jerusalem and met Yael Deckelbaum on the journey, and their voices found a new purpose: empowering women and creating peace.

Meera’s songs are primarily inspired by women she has met on her journey of self-discovery. As a queer child, she repeatedly tried to find a way to fit in without having to change herself. She faced many societal norms and was brave enough to continue following the voice of her heart – on this journey, she takes us with her in her concerts.

Her art shows a path of self-discovery, expression, and embracing darkness as light. Through her career in music, video editing, all the engagements in community building, participatory leadership, and other groups in various countries to promote the creation of a better reality through art.

In 2023 & 2024 & 2025, Meera will also tour with Yael Deckelbaum’s European Prayer of the Mothers & Surrender Tour.

Concert tickets for Lutherkirche: 17.50 – 50.00 euros (via link on the right)

Workshop Meera Eilabouni – Singing in Harmony for Peace
Sunday 14:00 – 16:00 Cologne, Tor 28

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is an accessible back entrance. Please use the path via the parking lot for this. The church can then be accessed completely barrier-free. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair accessible toilet. We would be happy to reserve a suitable place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

The Brazilian Night 

The artists Vando Oliveira and Mirla Riomar, already known as Local Ambassadors, present a versatile program with music from various regions of Brazil – from Samba to Bossa Nova to traditional rhythms.

Look forward to a musical journey that celebrates the cultural wealth of Brazil in all its facets. Additionally, more special guests are expected (more info to follow). An evening full of music, emotions, and Brazilian joy of life awaits guests in the unique atmosphere of the Luther Church.

Happy de Luxe by Quadro Nuevo

Founded in 1996, the ensemble Quadro Nuevo has performed from Helsinki to Hong Kong and the Carnegie Hall in New York. For their audacious musicianship, they have received two ECHO awards, a Gold Record, the Deutsche Schallplattenkritik award, and several Jazz Awards.

Together, they live their music in the here and now, inspired by joyful street musicians. Stays in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro shaped their new album "HAPPY Deluxe", a sonic homage to moments of happiness.

Quadro Nuevo explains: "Our music arises from experiences and encounters. The joy of the people in Brazil has colored our songs. Music should offer a positive counter-world in times of crisis. It has almost become a tradition for Quadro Nuevo to present their new program as part of the Over the Border Festival.

Line-up: 
Mulo Francel (saxophone), Andreas Hinterseher (accordion), D.D. Lowka (bass), Philipp Schiepek (guitar).