Public Invitation - Free Event - Palm Sunday Evening

Critically Acclaimed German Jazz Pianist Markus Burger

& Saxophonist Jan von Klewitz

Performing the LutherDecade’s 2013 theme “Reformation and Tolerance”

Plus Inspiring Gospel Exhibit depicting the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm Gospel Exhibit Open
33 dramatic display cases with recreated artifacts,
anatomically correct models and artwork

7:00 pm Concert and Spiritual Readings

Words and music that are inspired by Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach

short photo presentation about LutherCountry … free reception following performance

More about the concert:

LutherCountry is celebrating the LutherDecade, a 10-year build-up to 2017 and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Each year focuses on a special theme and celebrates the decade in cities where Luther lived and worked. The 2013 motto is Reformation and Tolerance. With support of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt and the German Consulate Los Angeles you are invited to a concert with the award winning Jazz Duo Burger and Klewitz who combine a recitation of selected texts from Martin Niemoller, Martin Luther, Meister Eckhart and Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a special selection of hymns by Bach and Luther arranged for piano and alto sax. Contact: markusburger1@me.com, German Consulate: 323/930-2703

More about the Gospel Exhibit:

The Gospel Exhibit - The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The Exhibit is ninety-six feel long and contains thirty-three display cases. It begins with the bad news of the fall of man leading to the good news of God's plan for salvation. The tour takes you through the major events surrounding the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The various steps of his suffering are brought to light with recreated artifacts, anatomically correct models, and historic quotes. Old Testament Messianic prophecies and fulfilled New Testament scriptures are presented for each historical event. A scourge whip with hammer and nails can be handled by the viewer for a deeper appreciation. Anointing oils used on Jesus before and after his death are presented in two diffuser displays. The sound of nails being hammered and a Shofar blast complete the sensory experience. Classic artwork depicting the various events are displayed with each viewing station.

See our YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YFnfMM8FcY&feature=share&list=UUPiU9mgQiFord-xoUd24zfA

Additional informaiton:

The best known chorals, church hymns and old German Christmas carols stand as the foundation for one of the most exciting musical projects of the 1990’s. Critically acclaimed German jazz performers Jan von Klewitz and Markus Burger blend modern improvisation with the art of interpreting Baroque music while preserving its integrity in their “Spiritual Standards.”

"Since the traditional notation of church hymns was always used by organists to improvise--even in the middle ages, we are reviving this concept which is very close to the principles of jazz.” Burger stated.

Staying very near to the original melodies and canti firmi, the artists improvise in a linear manner as opposed to improvising over the harmonic structure, returning to one of the root principles of jazz. Their choice of tunes shows that these old songs are true standards, able to compete with today's best rock and soul ballads in emotional strength. Both of the musicians have been brought up in the Christian tradition, with first-hand exposure to this music. Jan von Klewitz's grandfather was the Lutheran minister Martin Niemoeller whose words inspire millions:

When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews, I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me, there was no one left to speakout.

The "Spiritual Standards" CD finished in the Top 20 in the 1999 German jazz charts. The duo has toured through Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, Lithuania, France, Poland and the U.S. Both musicians play an important role in Germany's contemporary music scene and received the coveted Bach 2000 award in the Luther city of Erfurt for the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

More about Luther's Reformatioin:

The Reformation was inspired by Martin Luther. Only when you explore the real story of Luther in the towns and villages where he lived, worked and preached, can you discover the towering personality behind the legends. LutherDecade also explores the relationships Luther had with the people who supported him. Katharina von Bora, his wife, was a pillar of strength; Philipp Melanchthon, his pupil and friend, was a major figure in the Reformation movement; the painter Lucas Cranach, another close friend, changed artistic conventions with his new way of portraying religious scenes. Two centuries later, Johann Sebastian Bach changed the course of Western music; a passionate Lutheran, he was born and lived in Luther’s homeland.

 Press Reviews: "Spiritual Standards" CD by Markus Burger and Jan von Klewitz
"Spiritual Standards" is highly recommended. Praise these Lords (musicians)! . . . Stereo1/99

Very special exciting symbiosis of the traditional and the contemporary. . . . Music Week          

“This homage to the European tradition is successful in its brilliant fashion and manner. . . . Voice of the Ruhr

Church songs are transformed into sensitive arrangements of depth and strength into our century. . . . Archbishopric Berlin  Burger and Von Klewitz succeed in capturing the spirit and the soul of a whole religion in their arrangements.  ... People’s Friend of Trier

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