I had just moved to Zurich, and homesickness hit hard. Despite moving away from rural Northern Ireland at 18 for university and living in various parts of Scotland (and a brief stint in Canada) for the last 6 years, nothing prepared me for the challenge of moving to Zurich and I felt incredibly out of place for the first time. A desperate Google search for an English-speaking choir led me to St Andrew’s, where I was warmly welcomed… just in time for the start of Christmas rehearsals!
I was raised surrounded by music, and singing the classic carols brought such a sense of peace and belonging to me as I navigated my first semester as a student at ETH Zurich. The familiarity of the music and the kindness of the talented folk I was surrounded by really helped me to settle in, and I am forever grateful that my desperate Google search led me to this wonderful wee community in the middle of Zurich.
Singing at Christmas really is a special highlight of the year. There is so much joy to be had from the music, and knowing that the choir can share this with all folk is magical. Some come for the words, the theology, others purely for the music; but we all unite in the beauty and peacefulness that comes from sharing this with others.
As one of the newest choir members, I have loved every rehearsal and service I have been involved in. In fact, being part of a wonderful group of people inspired me to wipe the dust off my old trumpet and I am thankful to Shaun for trusting me with the “Joy to the World” descant for the Christmas services. I can’t wait to see what 2024 holds for St Andrew’s!
This article, written by Leah Forsythe, was first published in the Feb/March edition our chaplaincy magazine, Search. If you don’t already subscribe to Search and would like to have a free trial copy, please contact the church office.
Published on St Andrew’s website since 8 February 2024