Our experience at Gouda by Candlelight was intense, memorable, and deeply touching.
We had agreed on two performances as part of the festival: a short appearance at the railway station hall and our main concert later in the church. However, upon arriving at the station, we were met with an unexpected situation. Large posters were already displayed, newspapers with the festival program were being distributed, and it turned out that our performance time was announced half an hour earlier than we had agreed upon. People were waiting, cameras were present, and the atmosphere was suddenly very tense. It was a stressful start — not how we had planned to begin the day.
Despite this, we stayed with the original timing as agreed. The audience received this with understanding and warmth, and those who could not stay were kindly invited to join us later at the church at 4:00 PM. We are grateful for the patience and openness of everyone involved.
The concert in the church became the true heart of the day for us. The church was completely filled with guests, and the atmosphere was incredibly warm and attentive. At the end of the performance, the audience welcomed us with a standing ovation — a moment that moved us deeply. We truly felt the connection and the shared emotion in the space.
We were especially happy to share the stage with a small children’s choir. Seeing such young children learn to listen to one another, sing together, and experience joy through music was genuinely beautiful. Music has a profoundly positive influence on human development, and it was inspiring to meet the dedicated choir leader who guide and support these young voices.
Beyond our performances, the overall festival atmosphere was remarkable. In the evening, the central square came alive with lights, music, and the official lighting of the Christmas tree. The city was filled with warmth, celebration, and goodwill. It truly felt like a community coming together.
For us, Gouda by Candlelight is an event worth cherishing — and one we would gladly mark in our calendar for future Christmas seasons. We look forward to returning.