Welcome home: Happy in your new (old) home
Lisa took the plunge and returned with her family from Potsdam to her hometown. The Görlitz native has since not only founded an international choir but has also rediscovered her hometown in a completely new light.
You returned to Görlitz a few years ago. What led to this decision?
Several factors played a role in this decision. Firstly, we wanted to move to a larger apartment. However, everything was very expensive in Potsdam. Secondly, the distance meant my children couldn't see their grandparents as often as they'd like.
For us, it was completely unimaginable to move back – my husband and I are both originally from Görlitz. But since both our families live there, we started looking for apartments and houses. After a few months, the idea didn't seem so far-fetched anymore. So we looked around Görlitz and finally found a house we could buy.
My husband and I looked deeply into each other's eyes and asked ourselves: 'Do we really want to do this?' Then we simply took the plunge – and haven't regretted it.
Why was the move to Görlitz worthwhile for you?
The main reason we came to Görlitz is for family and to see the children develop a bond with their grandparents. That alone is worthwhile. Thanks to the support of our family here, we also have more freedom again. On a certain level, we can realize more of our own potential here, which wasn't possible before because we were on our own.
I did a lot of freelance work in Potsdam as a cultural manager and music educator, but I always wanted a permanent position. I was lucky enough to come to Görlitz and immediately get a very good job. On top of that, we now have a much larger living space.
We got to know Görlitz in a completely new way, very different from how we experienced it in our childhood and youth. I discovered streets and places I'd never known before, and I'm exploring the surrounding area much more. The quality of life in Görlitz is very high, also in terms of cultural experiences and the proximity to nature.
Last year you founded the international choir "Sing as you are". How did that come about and what makes the choir special?
I had already been active in many different music projects and choirs and wanted to continue my musical activities in Görlitz. Once here, I tried out a few choirs myself and even took over a choir that didn't have a conductor at the time. A year later, through my daughter's kindergarten, I met a mother who works at the Görlitz Adult Education Center. She asked me if I'd be interested in starting a choir. I took that as an omen and was happy that the Adult Education Center was willing to provide the organizational framework for a new choir. And so the choir was founded.
The choir is conceived as international in two respects: firstly, in terms of content, as we sing songs from all over the world in different languages. Currently, for example, we are singing South African, American, and Swedish songs. Secondly, we wanted to open the choir primarily to Görlitz's international residents – whether they are newcomers or have lived in the city for some time.
We currently have 50 members, and the choir is open to everyone, regardless of whether someone is a very good singer or has previous experience in other choirs. We occasionally give small concerts for family and friends, and we've also performed at the Silesian Christmas Market in Görlitz.
Finally, a little insider tip from you: If someone were looking for you in Görlitz, where would they probably find you? Do you have a favorite spot in the city?
I feel very comfortable everywhere, but I especially love the view from the Kreuzkirche (Church of the Cross) up towards Rosenhof, because you can see the horses grazing in the pasture there. And I enjoy Lake Berzdorf in every season.
Living in Görlitz Working in Görlitz Görlitz residents: In become
Text: Europastadt GörlitzZgorzelec GmbH
Photos: Paul Glaser
