Interview with Edith Casteleyn
“People frequently say: “You are white, but you are black in everything you do.” I feel very close to my African-Americal brothers and sisters and I understand what they mean. For example: In God’s eyes there is no color, a song that we sing, is my whole philosophy.”
I have a classical music background, but was well acquainted with Black Gospel. At that time The Edwin Hawking singers were known everywhere in the Netherlands. But I only really learned to know this music by living and working alongside my African-American brothers and sisters.
I was asked to accompany the choir of the United States Airforce in Soesterberg. I played the piano and later directed the choir of the African-American Gospel service. I lived with these people for 14 years. We travelled throughout America and Europe. God has blessed these songs to be interpreted by me and I am happy and grateful that I have brought this music to white people. The years with these people have made me who and what I am today. I also feel privileged that I was asked to do this work.”
Improvisation
“Many Black Gospel songs are born in the cotton fields and/or at the stove. Out of respect for African-Amerikans I do not teach all songs to white singers. This respect is paid to slavery. Just by this fact alone the music can’t be compared to other music. The choirs don’t practice and sing from sheet music. You can’t put Black Gospel on paper: soloists and choirs improvise. That makes it a surprise every time. A song can take three minutes but also twice as long. It depends on the spirituality of the moment. The soloist is free to improvise and I improvise with the choir. That is why the choir must watch me very carefully. They know what to do by the gestures I make. Improvisation is very important: you open yourself to God. You have to be free to sing, there cannot be any obstacles. Posture, expression and charisma are very important to me. If you sing about the Joy of freedom you have to know what you’re singing about.”
Spiritual nourishment
“I am a non-denominational Christian, I have a clear connection to God and the Bible is my guide. In the choirs and at workshops there are people belonging to a particular church. But also people that are non- or slightly religious, but love the music. Others just don’t feel at home in a church and regard the choir as spiritual nourishment. Many people from Orthodox, traditional churches are not used to praying together and holding hands during prayer. The audience is also not always Christian. All these aspects make it interesting. Whatever denomination people come from, everybody is welcome. I’m broad-minded in that respect.”
Charity concert
“People ask me if this is a calling. Yes it is, and it is also my job. I put everything I am into the music and pass on the knowledge that I have. I also think that people must use their talents. The choirs have sung at my anniversary benefit. I didn’t want to have a present for myself, but I wanted to do something for a little church in Cuba that is very close to my heart. It was also a way for me to say ‘Thank you’ to God for having been able to do this work for all these years.”
Edith Casteleyn
Edith in action with Pastor John P. Kee in |
Edith’s Pastor Walter V. Jackson. |
Television Appearances:Katja vs. De rest (BNN)Sterren dansen op het ijs (SBS) Paasspecial Nederland zingt (EO) Wie o Wie (KRO) Twins (Tros) Popstars (SBS) |
Concerts:Frans Bauer (Gelredome)Lee Towers (Nieuwe Luxor Theater) Guus Meeuwis (PSV Stadion) EO-Jongerendag (Amsterdam Arena) |
We have worked with famous
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Musical styles:
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