Music and other performance ministries

Music

The level of music teaching in the Spanish school system is far lower than it is in the lands of northern Europe. Children do not learn to play instruments or read musical scores as a matter of course, although some attempts are now being made to remedy this. However, this is more than made up by the far higher musical sense which seems to be inborn into many, particularly in Andalucia and most especially among the Gypsies. Everyone who has some idea of Spain has heard of flamenco music and dance, forwarded internationally by people such as Paco de Lucía and Joaquin Cortés. In other regions flamenco is not so traditional, but they have their own versions of folk music and young people, while they may prefer 'pop', are not averse to it.

In the evangelical world, there have existed musical expressions since the first missionaries arrived. In addition to translated hymns and choruses, which certainly abound, there is a wealth of true Spanish writing. One of the earliest Spanish church leaders, Juan Bautista Cabrera, converted before the 1868 revolution and for years in exile in Gibraltar, was also a great hymn writer. Although a proportion of his work was rather in the style of the times -like Sankey- other hymns have survived the passing of the years and continue to be sung in some congregations.

Today there is a new generation of song writers and musicians. Groups of young people lead worship in many congregations and among these some shine and write their own worship music. Others write more devotional and solo music. Styles abound. Among the best known of the current crop of Spanish singer-writers is Marcos Vidal, a pentecostal pastor.

In addition, there have for many years existed church and city-wide choirs. The Alleluya choir in the Barcelona area, or the United Churches' choir of Madrid, the Gloria choir of Valencia and the Marín church choir, in Galicia, are particular examples. In recent years, there has also been a movement to involve more and at a higher level in choir singing and performance through the 1995 Messiah and 1997 Gospel projects, led by Manuel Corral, pastor of León and musical director missionary Dan Hollingsworth. As a result of these initiatives, including several TV performances, there have been set up a number of new permanent Gospel choirs around the country. The Barcelona choir has over 200 members. These have been very effective in pre-evangelistic activities which have drawn many non-believers into the normally secular concert halls and in some cases Catholic churches and even cathedrals.

Pray that the use of music, such an important medium for today's youth, will be effective in drawing many to Christ and helping others to develop in their spiritual walk.

Mime

One of the most well-known mime actors these days is Carlos Martinez from Spain. The universal language of mime has given him the opportunity to perform on stages around the world. He loves his audiences and wants to serve them whether it be in the theatre, in corporate seminars, tutoring advanced mime students or in churches and conferences such as Mission-net or Church Day. He has published four DVDs: My Bible, Human Rights, Hand Made and Books without Words and recently, a book of reflections on his work in silence over the past thirty years: From the Dressing Room, available in English, German and Spanish.

Drama

A number of recent attempts have been made to establish drama groups of quasi professional level. Since1987 the mime actor Carlos Martínez has tutored and directed the excellent theatre group Scarcha based in Seville.

In addition the Madrid group Arte Noble has recently become well known.