The poster boy of the Reformation – Martin Luther – commemorated with a global poster exhibition.
Announcement posted by St Andrew's Cathedral Choir of Boys and Men 04 Aug 2017
Keen to discover more about “The Reformation” and Martin Luther’s involvement? Why was the sharing of knowledge – through the written word and music – so important to so many?
It is fitting that the poster boy of the Reformation – Martin Luther – is being commemorated with a poster exhibition at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD – part of a global showcase observing the 500th anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany.
OFFICIAL OPENING – ALL WELCOME
This thought-provoking exhibition will be officially opened by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales on Tuesday 8 August, at a free event in the Cathedral starting at 6pm.
All are welcome at Tuesday’s exhibition opening, which is also the first official event of “German Week Sydney”. The exhibition will then continue at the Cathedral until late September 2017.
With the Reformation also referred to as a “singer’s movement”, music will be central to the official opening, with the St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir of boys and men singing two Bach Cantatas Now thank we all our God (Cantata 79, Bach, arr. Cobb) and Erschallet, ihr lieder (Cantata 172, Bach), the second sung in the original German.
“Our choir will also lead a stirring rendition of the most well-known of Luther’s hymns, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” said the Very Rev. Kanishka Raffel, Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral.
“With two of our young choristers currently preparing for their roles in the chorus of Wagner’s Parsifal with Opera Australia, also opening next week, their German language coaching will come in good stead,” he said, acknowledging that the Consul General of Germany is offical co-host of Tuesday’s opening.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
#HereIstand reflects the most important events in the lead up to the Reformation.
The Dean invites anyone, especially those interested in history and Protestant Christianity, to come and discover what framed the Reformation and to take inspiration from the life of the man who did not bow to corrupt authority or prevailing opinions: Martin Luther.
“We are delighted that the Cathedral is involved in this exhibition – encouraging Sydneysiders and visitors alike to be part of an ongoing global conversation.
“By considering the dynamics for reform that took hold after Luther published his 95 theses, we can better understand the far-reaching consequences of Luther’s actions in the 16th Century,” commented the Dean.
“Luther’s role in translating, printing and sharing the Word of God directly to and with the people was central to the Reformation, however there are many more outcomes from Reformation history that have continuing expression in modern society”, said the Dean.
“We hope that those who visit the Cathedral take some time to view these beautiful, informative posters to discover why the Reformation happened, and reflect on its importance.”
While this very modern exhibition - comprising 30 carefully researched information graphics - is self-guided in design, Cathedral volunteers will be available to answer questions.
The exhibition shows the most important events in the history of the Reformation, and its effects up to the present day.
Martin Luther’s biography forms the point of departure for an investigation of the environment the people of the Reformation lived in, putting the Reformation in context and highlighting its impact.
The period between 1520 and 1530 was a time of upheaval, including for gender roles. Today it is often forgotten that women played a role in the Reformation. With an examination of the spread of Protestantism in the USA, the exhibition also considers what the civil rights leader Martin Luther King has in common with his namesake.
A MEDIA REVOLUTION
In the 16th century, Martin Luther shrewdly used the media of his time: the printing press.
Movable type enabled a new kind of communication as one text could become a thousand in no time – be it scripture or a songsheet. Now 500 years on, technology is again playing a central communications role, with this entire exhibition having been downloaded and printed locally, reflecting the changing face of printing.
A particular highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of images of Luther memorabilia, many of which can be viewed online or, like the posters, can be downloaded and printed on a 3D printer – in affect bringing the museum to the people!
If the Reformation was happening today, would Luther prefer Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?
Share your thoughts on the Reformation on your preferred social media networks using the hashtag #HereIstand.
EVENT DETAILS
“#HereIstand - Martin Luther, the Reformation and its Consequences”
St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney
Cnr of George and Bathurst Streets, Sydney NSW 2000
8 August 28-September 2017
The Cathedral is open to the public between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday and on Sundays. The poster exhibition will also be open before regular evensongs, held twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 5.15-6pm. Please note: St Andrew’s Cathedral School assemblies and regular weekly services may restrict access at times.
View the posters online - http://here-i-stand.com/en
Exhibition initiated by the German Foreign Office and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany with the support of Moore College, the German Lutheran Church, Johanniter Order, the Goethe Institute and the German National Tourist Board.