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With heart and voice: Lioba Lichtschlag brings hope to prison
In Düsseldorf, Lioba Lichtschlag has been involved in prison for 40 years, leading the choir and promoting humanity among prisoners.
With heart and voice: Lioba Lichtschlag brings hope to prison
The Düsseldorf correctional facility (JVA) is experiencing true musical heights! The decades-long commitment of Lioba Lichtschlag, an 81-year-old choir director, brings light into the often dreary prison life. She has led the prison choir for over 40 years and ensures that the boys not only open their voices but also their hearts when they sing. In the church service on Sunday, the focus is on the prisoners' musical direction. Lichtschlag, whom she affectionately addresses as “mother,” has a great talent: in addition to the piano, she can also play the viola and brings her collected songs in different languages to suit each choir member. How ksta.de reports that the rehearsals reflect a feeling of respect and community, which for the prisoners feels like fair treatment in prison.
Committed commitment to humanity
The unspoken becomes audible in the choir songs! The Catholic Prison Association Düsseldorf, of which Lichtschlag is a member, advocates for more humanity behind prison walls. Over 50 volunteers support inmates through musical projects as well as writing and finding housing after release, with the next introductory course starting on January 20, 2025 erzbistum-koeln.de knows to report. In just a quick glance through her glasses, Lichtschlag shows her presence and silences the prisoners, who then concentrate on the notes in their songbooks. Through the weekly rehearsals, the prisoners experience not only an artistic but also an emotional connection. Antonio, an active member, emphasizes that their work for the prisoners is invaluable.
The secret recipe of her many years of work? A sense of community and acceptance, which also includes difficult fates from the past. “They don’t pretend when they sing,” says Lichtschlag, who was able to get to know the prisoners’ real personalities through the music. Her choir rehearsals in prison are more than just singing - they are a bright spot in an often dark life.