Zoetermeer has its own gospel choir

Cheerful melodies, beautiful harmonies and a fantastic atmosphere: we are talking about gospel music. This originally American music is now also extremely popular in the Netherlands. In Zoetermeer, gospel choir ‘Life Line’ sings like crazy. We spoke to the members of this choir about singing together and dreaming about the future.

Gospel music is originated in the southern states of the US. The harmonious songs with catchy melodies have spread to Europe. Life Line mainly sings traditional Black American Gospel songs. Gospel means ‘the good message’ and the atmosphere of the songs is therefore always positive. It originated in the American cotton fields, where enslaved black Americans sang songs of hope.

Classics

You probably know one of those songs: ‘Oh Happy Day’. This song is always a great success with the audience, the members of Life Line say: ‘If we sing that song, no one will be able to sit still!’ Sometimes they go on musical excursions and sing songs by Aretha Franklin or Diana Ross.

With gospel music there is no sheet music, but the conductor determines what a song looks like at that moment. The audience also plays a major role in a performance, says Life Line: ‘If the audience sings along with a certain piece, we repeat those parts of that song. This way we can make it a real party!’

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Photo: Life Line

Ambitious

The choir consists of 32 members from all over the world. The founder and conductor of the choir is Edith Casteleyn. She is a real celebrity within Black American Gospel with a wealth of experience. They rehearse once a week at the CKC in Zoetermeer. Many members of the choir come from Zoetermeer, but the choir also attracts singers from, for example, the Beemster and Hoek van Holland.

Life Line has already given many special performances. The choir members say enthusiastically: ‘We are a warm, friendly group with great ambitions. We have already performed at the Zwarte Cross and were seen at Sterren Dansen Op Het IJs. We even went to Los Angeles and New Orleans a few times to play. We would especially like to do the latter again!’

Something for you?

Have you become enthusiastic and curious whether singing in a gospel choir is something for you? There is room for new members. You can come by on Wednesdays and attend two rehearsals without obligation. For more information, see website.

Would you like to see Life Line perform? This is possible on December 16, when they will play a show in the CKC&Partners venue.