Magic was in the air on the evening of December 2 at the Kulturhaus in Wiesloch. More than 80 guests, many of them from Ukraine or connected in friendship, savored the evening. Nearly 30 musicians and singers, from Ukraine and Germany and other places, gathered not only to celebrate their culture and spread joy, but primarily to raise funds for the Association “Pickup4Ukraine – Unterstützung für Kriegsopfer der Ukraine e.V.”. Since the beginning of this year, Annette Ehrnsperger and Michael Sylvester and further helpers have been regularly driving pickups and other vehicles loaded with medical supplies to Ukraine, handing over the vehicles personally to the Ukrainian military and to provide hospitals at the frontlines with much needed materials. So far, they have transported thirteen vehicles. On their last transport directly after the concert, they – together with three helpers – took three loaded vehicles to Kyiv to provide reliable vehicles to military units and to donate much-needed medical supplies.
The selection of music pieces was highly diverse – from solos featuring songs from Josh Groban’s repertoire, numerous Ukrainian folk songs, original compositions, Christmas carols, to the emotionally stirring “Von Guten Mächten” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a resistance fighter murdered by the Nazis. The evening was a succession of joyous moments followed by lively, danceable tunes, and quieter, introspective interludes, together with pieces expressing determination and perseverance.
The highlight of the evening was impromptu jam sessions by musicians joining in at various points . With their spontaneous performances, they inspired each other, creating improvised yet harmonious music.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all the evening’s helpers, donors, and contributors who created such a wonderful experience.
