The Gregorian (Pop) Choral, along with the Gregorian band, made a stop in Wurzburg on the first Sunday of Advent, with their contemplative vocals, and their light, flame and laser effects show.

Gregorian represents the fusion of modern pop/rock music with medieval Gregorian chant.  One of the singers greeted the audience after the second song.  After "Be" by Neil Diamond, the song "Angels" by Robbie Willams is announced  Applause accompanied not only this announcement but almost the end of every song.  On a projection screen in the background, a stone angel is shown.  Small lights let the eight monks appear to be lit very brightly.

Whether with a ring of flames, a raven or a starry sky--the projection effects are consistent with the songs.   The monks robes are immersed by a spectacular light show, consisting of red, white or blue lights.   During the show, the Gregorian-chanting "monks" are accompanied by a drummer, a guitarist and a man on a synthesizer.   In addition, guest singer, Amelia Brightman, sister of Sarah Brightman adds vocally and visually to the show.  During the song "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd the hall is dipped into a green laser sea.   The laser effects add value to the concert, however some voices are heard from the auditorium, when the lasers are plunged into the audience and make some members uncomfortable.  Increasingly, these voices are heard at the end, when the monnks use gloves and red laser beams--an impressive spectacle of light, although this does not appeal to everyone.    Following, an orignal Gregorian composition is performed "Moment of Peace" along with Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."

The monks cannot only sing, but share anecdotes from the band's history in the breaks in between songs, to the amusement of the audience.   The only drawback: the English language is used and not understood by everyone.  A verse from the song "Heroes" by David Bowie seems appropriate for the many enthusiastic listeners this evening.  The monks for an evening are Heroes to the audience.

After the intermission there is a lighting effects misstep.   To accompany the drumming by the monks, a glaring white light is repeatedly shown which seems to dazzle rather than support the song.   Along with the Gregorian classics from their older albums, songs from their new album are included  like "Sweet Child of Mine" from Guns n Roses.   In addition to the frequent costume changes of singer Amelia Brightman, the monks also switch their robes, first to white and then at the end, to robes of red.    Using ornate mirrors, the singers project stunning and evocative plays of light, which reflect the stage lighting.

The artiss also used flame lighting in the show.  After "Fix You" by Coldplay, two crosses are placed and illuminated, suitable for the musical setting of the song "Hymn".   The monks then engage in humble, monastic repartee while they are illuminated by the house lights and give their votes for the best acappella song (Noel Nouvelet).

At the end, the monks let it snow.  At the first strains of "Happy Christmas" by John Lennon, the audience begins to applaud.   The monks start singing with the (now dressed in red for the holiday season) Amelia Brightman.  The concert is a powerful sound performance and there were long applauses and standing ovations for the group at the end.