Ensemble VokalChoral | Vokalmusik von Frühbarock bis heute

In the organizer's words:

Enjoy an hour of heavenly music: on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm, the renowned ensemble VokalChoral under the direction of Marcus Steven invites you to a moving vespers in the venerable Kreuzkirche Dresden. Experience a carefully curated selection of sophisticated vocal works that build bridges between the epochs.

The program spans a fascinating arc from the early Baroque to the 20th century. The focus is on masters of Protestant church music such as Johann Herrmann Schein and Melchior Franck with double-choir splendor from their famous collections Israelsbrünnlein and Gemmulae evangeliorum. A particular highlight is Heinrich Schütz's profound motet "Die mit Tränen säen" from Geistliche Chormusik, which impressively brings out the emotional depth of the early Baroque.

The musical journey continues in the modern era, where the art of a cappella shines in new facets. Listen to the expressive soundscapes of the Swiss composer Willy Burkhard from his Little Psalter as well as a contemporary composition by conductor Marcus Steven ("And I saw..."). The program is rounded off by the highly romantic beauty of Max Reger (Twenty Responsories), the soulful lyricism of Max Bruch (In the Kingdom of Heaven) and Albert Becker's melody (Bleibe, Abend will es werden), which captures the evening mood.

The VokalChoral ensemble - reinforced by the outstanding soloists Lara Hölzel (soprano), Gertrud Günther (soprano), Aenne Stauner (alto), Stephan Keucher (tenor) and Marcus Steven (bass and conductor) - guarantees a performance of the highest quality and intense musicality.

Leave everyday life behind you in the atmospheric setting of the Kreuzkirche and enjoy this hour of contemplation and tonal beauty.