In our concert project, the International Choir for Peace will perform movements from Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers Op. 37, alternating with Aeham Ahmad's soul-stirring improvisations.

We are repeating the concert from October 5, 2025 (Freiburg-Merzhausen). Together we call for peace—with the devotional a cappella music of the evening and morning prayers, as well as in a song that arises in the present moment and touches the hearts of its listeners.

Sergei Rachmaninoff composed his "Great Evening and Morning Prayer," Op. 37, in 1915. It is his second sacred work, written for the evening and early morning liturgy, which was celebrated as a continuous service in monasteries.

Written for a cappella choir, Rachmaninoff partly used old melodies, comparable to our Gregorian chant; in other parts, he reworked both the melody and harmonies.

Sergei Rachmaninoff composed the Vespers, Op. 37, in 1915. After the October Revolution, during which Rachmaninoff fled to America with his family, this work was banned from performance for 60 years. Rachmaninoff considered this composition a work in which—according to a Russian proverb—the mind enters the heart.

The Syrian-Palestinian pianist Aeham Ahmad gained international recognition in 2014/2015 through his public performances in the Yarmouk refugee camp during the Syrian Civil War. In his devastated Syrian hometown, he offered comfort and hope to his fellow citizens, especially the children, through his songs and compositions. Aeham Ahmad now lives in Germany with his family. He is an example of how music can spread hope and healing. Hearing him play live is a very special experience.

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Save the date and join our choir!

Thursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Location: D-04107 Leipzig

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Participation Requirements / Prerequisites for Singers:

Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers, Op. 37, is a moderately difficult choral work. We will perform movements 1-8 (and possibly 1-9) in the original Russian. Prior experience in choral singing is required. The conductor is Maarten van Leer.

Participation is free for members of the association "Music for Peace and International Understanding e.V." Guests are asked to contribute a modest project fee to cover costs. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. The rehearsal days (May 14-17) will also take place in Leipzig.

Once the organizational preparations are complete, you will find an information PDF with registration details on this page.

To support the association "Music for Peace and International Understanding e.V." by becoming a member, you can download a form and our bylaws here. We would be delighted!