Sound installation The Creation” inspires in the Georg Bähr Church!

Sound installation The Creation” inspires in the Georg Bähr Church!

In Forchheim, people not only celebrate one of the 778 annual festivals, but also the 300th birthday of the Georg Bähr Church. The community is taking this opportunity to create an impressive sound installation entitled “The Creation”. The event will take place daily between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. until November 16, 2023, as well as on Sundays after the service, to enable visitors to embark on a spiritual journey of discovery that will take them to the Garden of Eden and beyond.

The sound installation is designed as an audio-visual journey and promises goosebumps through over 23 loudspeakers that not only spread words and chants, but are also combined with impressive lighting effects. The themes covered—from the Fall to Redemption—create a deep connection to the ecology of nature and the heart. The initiative comes from Pastor Norbert Binder from Hoyerswerda, supported by the musical accompaniment of the Paulus Choir and the Sorbian National Ensemble Choir from Bautzen. The response to the previous event in 2021 with “The Good Shepherd” was consistently positive, so this new installation will hopefully also provide many moments of reflection.

An architectural masterpiece

The Georg Bähr Church is not only known for its sound installation, but also for its architectural features. The Silbermann organ, built in collaboration with Gottfried Silbermann, is a prominent feature of the church. It is the only surviving building of its kind and is played during church services on Sundays and at concerts in the summer months. The interior design of the church impresses with its conceptual beauty and coherence, which makes the Georg Bähr Church an important part of Forchheim's cultural heritage.

The organ has 20 registers, a mean tone tuning and a pitch of 465 Hz. These special features give it a place among the Silbermann organs that are known throughout the German-speaking region. Visitors are welcome to take part in church services and community events, possibly including an impressive organ prelude.

A place of reflection

The installation is aimed at people who are looking for peace and want to embark on a spiritual journey. It is part of the celebrations that mark the 775th anniversary of Forchheim. The expectations for the number of visitors are high, and the hope is that many will simply stop and experience the special atmosphere of the church. In the midst of the daily hustle and bustle, the Georg Bähr Church offers a retreat where you can find peace.

In summary, these anniversary celebrations and the sound installation “The Creation” offer a unique opportunity not only to get to know the impressive church and its history, but also to find a moment of reflection. Here tradition comes to life, and the combination of art and spirituality creates a special magic that awaits visitors.