The American Spectator

Of course, as with any group that sings gospel music, the primary touring venue will be churches. In many ways, the fact that the communists so frowned on organized religion has made the choir members all the more reverential towards the places of worship that agree to take them on.

“Many of them were not raised with any kind of religious conviction, but the church provided them with an outlet to congregate and sing,” Kohfeld added. “My experience with choir members is that they strive to be respectful of religious rites in every church they visit, but that they themselves are brought together by a common love of music.”

Asked for a choir mission statement, Meyer demurs.

“Is it a mission to love singing, love to perform?” Meyer asked. “We are very excited about our trip to America. It is a long journey with a huge group, and we will meet a lot of people — it is a new experience.

“I cannot tell what American audiences are used to,” she added mischievously, “but perhaps you will realize a German way of singing gospel.”