Celtic Choir Concert in Prison

Written by pastor Eckart Wragge. On the 3rd of April 2011 (Sunday Lätare = be joyful), unexpected joy came up in the "Plötze", the oldest of Berlins prisons from 1817. 480 younger and older prisoners are serving their sentences here cheerlessly.

Joy, however, entered through the prison walls and barbed wire with the Celtic Choir, seventeen clear voices under the guidance of Lizzy Ahrens-Assem. On the 3rd of April, frustration didn't stand a chance. Pleasant anticipation of Easter spread in the church as 50 "hard guys", still quite stonefacedly, greeted the twinkle-toed Celtics.

After the pastor's citation of the poem "Summer in prison" – written by an inmate – the transformation started. The choir knew perfectly well how to cheer up the men! Everybody was drawn in as the mix of contemplative and cheerful songs began.

The Celtics sing with much gesture, mimic, clapping, keyboard and the flute. Lizzy Ahrens-Assem conducted the choir, turning around the next moment: "Now it's your turn. Come on, join in!" The audience turned into a singing-along congregation.

Nine songs were presented, ranging from ballads like "Rio Grande" to shanties like "Drunken Sailor" and "Lord of the Dance".

All frostiness left the room and Spring had its entry.

After the service the highlight for the inmates started, when, over a nice cup of coffee, they had a chat with their guests. Again, the Celtics proved their fantastic communication! So the accompanying officer smiled and left us some more time for the exchange than usually. Finally though it was "House 1! House 2! House 4!" and wistfully the men departed.

Thanks to the Celtic Choir they had experienced a different thing in the "Plötze": Joy, three weeks before Eastern 2011!

Eckart Wragge