“It was one of the best weeks of my life!”
That’s how one young musician summed up our Austria tour last month and we couldn’t agree more. Under the baton of Michael Andrews, the All Souls Orchestra had the immense privilege of partnering with OM and joining forces with singers Marion Traun and Andrew Finden and with other musicians from Austria to bring music, joy and Christ’s message of hope to Vienna, Linz and Krems. From the first rehearsal to the final note of our last concert, the week was filled with unforgettable moments, deep connections and the unmistakable sense that God was at work.
A Symphony of Praise
With the theme “Die Berge Jubeln” or “The Mountains Rejoice”, our concerts celebrated God’s glory in three meaningful evenings. Each concert was filled with stirring orchestral and vocal performances, complemented by uplifting messages from Michael Andrews and Christian Bensel, creating an experience that resonated deeply with musicians and audiences alike.
The Vienna concert was sold out and in Linz and Krems, audiences responded with enthusiasm and gratitude. Hundreds of not-yet-Christians joined us, many experiencing this kind of music and message for the first time. Again and again, we heard how the music and message spoke to hearts in ways that words alone could not.
Music That Moves Hearts
One international student in the audience shared,
“This is amazing! A concert like this would be forbidden in our country.”
Another reflected,
“I’ve never experienced anything like this. I can’t put my joy and gratitude into words.”
For the musicians, the experience was equally profound. One orchestra member remarked,
“Thank you so much for inviting me to play. The music is stirring, and people are so friendly! The atmosphere in the orchestra is so pleasant (compared to some other orchestras in our challenging world).”
From rehearsals to performances, the camaraderie and shared purpose made this tour truly special.
A Community Effort
The week was made possible by the incredible generosity of local churches and individuals. Seventeen host families welcomed musicians into their homes, offering not just a place to stay but genuine hospitality that made everyone feel at home. Church members worked tirelessly behind the scenes – preparing meals, lending instruments (including a much-needed double bass) and even providing urns so that our cherished orchestra tea and coffee could keep flowing.
During our time in Austria, we also led worship at three church services. One church member called it “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”, while another shared how enthusiastic their congregation was in singing along. Two little girls who attended a service were so captivated by the music that they lamented having to leave for Sunday school after only two songs!
A Lasting Impact
The mayor of Krems and a local church leader both described our performance as the best concert the town had ever seen. But beyond the applause and full concert halls, the most meaningful moments were those that revealed how God was moving in people’s hearts.
One audience member shared how a non-Christian friend, struggling through a difficult season, was deeply moved during You Raise Me Up. As Christian Bensel spoke, she sat quietly, wiping away tears. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do – music is not just an art form but a way to touch lives and open hearts to God’s love.
Join us in the journey
The Lord has already done so much through this tour and we are trusting Him for the rest. If you’d like to help meet the final costs for this Tour, as well as support future concerts, you can give on our website and include ‘2025 Austria tour‘ in the ‘Tell us a bit more’ section.
You can also give directly via OM UK, marking your gift for “Rachel Olney, OM Austria.” Rachel Olney is a mission partner of All Souls Music.
Thank you for your prayers, generosity and encouragement. May the Lord continue His work in the lives of those who attended, those who performed and all who were part of making Die Berge jubeln a reality!
— Rachel Olney & the All Souls Orchestra team
