A threefold connection A Dutch Black Gospel choir as a religious, social and heritage practice

This article examines how members of the Hopeful Choir, a Black Gospel choir in the Netherlands, give meaning to their participation. Based on open interviews, it explores how choir members relate to religion, social practice, and the Black cultural context of gospel music. While some participants consider religion central, others adopt a more secular or broadly spiritual perspective. Non-religious members may experience tension when religious themes predominate, yet still find personal meaning in the lyrics and performance. All members, including White singers, demonstrate awareness of the Black roots and historical legacy of gospel, recognising its cultural significance. Participation in the choir constitutes both an emotional and a social experience. Collective singing and shared rituals foster a sense of connection among members, with the conductor, the audience, and, for some, with God. At the same time, the musical practice raises questions of authenticity and representation, for instance in the careful al location of solo parts to honour the tradition's origins. The choir functions as a temporary, place-bound community in which diverse backgrounds, identities, and beliefs converge. Performing Black Gospel in a predominantly White group encourages ongoing reflection on race, heritage, and respectful engagement with the tradition. Singing in the Hopeful Choir thus exceeds mere artistic expression: it becomes a site of connection and meaning-making on spiritual, social, and cultural levels. Black Gospel emerges as a dynamic tradition that invites reflection on identity and belonging. This study contributes to our understanding of music as a social and cultural practice, demonstrating how Black Gospel in the Dutch context fosters shared meaning across lines of religion and ethnicity.