by Elise Taylor
From May 8th-15th, the members of the Cedarville University Madrigal Choir had the opportunity to use their musical skill and gift of song to share the gospel in Berlin, Germany through Cedarville’s Global Outreach. Led by Cedarville’s Music Composition Professor, Dr. Austin Jaquith, the fourteen members of Madrigal Choir performed sacred and secular works from the Renaissance era in addition to traditional German hymns arranged by Dr. Jaquith. Vocal selections sung in German included “Lobe Den Herren” (Praise to the Lord the Almighty), “Zum Sanctus” (Holy Holy is the Lord), and “Schönster Herr Jesu” (Beautiful Savior).
The Madrigal Choir traveled to many cities surrounding Berlin, such as Potsdam and Wittenberg, and performed in various venues including outdoor spaces, town squares, and the Church of Peace on the estate of King Frederick William IV. At one Sunday church service, the Madrigal Choir met a team of six ministry workers from a college evangelical ministry. They graciously offered to accompany the group and engage those listening to the outdoor performances in gospel conversations. An apparently random meeting led to a beautiful collaboration of music and the good news that inspired it, and many citizens of Berlin heard the gospel that day.
The Madrigal Choir team continues to pray for the seeds planted in Berlin. Soli Deo Gloria!
Posted in: Arts & Humanities, Music and Worship