My first time ... Lunch break with a concert

Editor Soraja Hagspiel

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The Friday concert series "Solo am Mittag" is my cultural discovery of the year. The short concerts by soloists bring a breath of fresh air to the day.

I like music, discovering new things and small snacks - which is exactly why the "Solo am Mittag" concert series is perfect for me. Every Friday lunchtime, the association invites you to a 30-minute live set. The series follows a monthly cycle with a changing focus: Saxophone, electronics, string instruments - and once a month there is a "Surprise at noon". This concert takes place on the second Friday of every month. The focus here is on young talent from the ZHdK: they not only perform, but also curate the programme themselves. I attended one of these concerts for the first time in autumn. Although the concept is billed as a "surprise", the act is known in advance - this time it's Kisanii.

We arrive at the Wasserkirche 20 minutes before the concert starts - the door is still locked. As the first grey autumn day is raging outside, I decide to make a short detour to the Helmhaus with its exhibition. It's just one flight of stairs above the entrance to the Wasserkirche and is free of charge. In hindsight, a very good decision and combination. The title of the current exhibition is "connecting". Perfect! So my recommendation is to combine a visit to the Wasserkirche with one to the Helmhaus. Shortly before the concert starts, I go back down one floor, slip through the open church door and sit down in one of the front rows of chairs. And off we go. After a short announcement referring to the hat collection - the concert series is free - Kisanii comes and sits down at the keyboard. She captivates me for the next 30 minutes with her beautiful voice and her personal stories. Her programme consisted of Irish folk songs and her own songs about self-doubt, body awareness and inner rays of hope. It was over in a flash. The 30 minutes flew by - I would have loved to listen to Kisanii even longer. I'm sure I'll have the opportunity to do so soon.

I left the church with a warm feeling and gratitude for this musical break. Anyone looking for a short, inspiring break from everyday life should not miss this concert series. So I'll be back.

For those on a budget: the Helmhaus and the "Solo über Mittag" concert series are free of charge.

Every Friday, 12:30 in changing locations, mostly in the Wasserkirche and the Kulturhaus Helferei