Girls' Choir Performs Metallica in a Church – A Stunning Version of Nothing Else Matters
A girls' choir called Schola Surwold performed Metallica's legendary ballad Nothing Else Matters inside the Catholic Church of St. Antonius in Papenburg, Germany.
The emotional performance, captured in a sold-out church, is now spreading rapidly online and proving that powerful music transcends genres.
Performing a Metallica song inside a church may sound unconventional, but the girls' choir Schola Surwold turned that contrast into a truly memorable experience. On May 18, 2025, the choir performed Nothing Else Matters in the sold-out St. Antonius Church in Papenburg, leaving the audience deeply moved.
Schola Surwold, YouTube
Originally released in 1992, Nothing Else Matters, written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, remains one of Metallica's most iconic songs. Known for its emotional depth rather than raw aggression, the track has inspired countless cover versions over the years. Still, this interpretation stands out for its atmosphere and artistic approach.
Schola Surwold, a pop choir from Germany's Emsland region, performed the song in a special arrangement by P. V. Lonkhuijsen. The choir was accompanied by Jörg Christian Freese on the historic organ, while drummer David Lakeberg added subtle rhythmic intensity. Together, they created a sound that was both intimate and powerful.
Under the direction of choir leader Patrick Schütte, the singers demonstrated how modern popular music can blend seamlessly with sacred spaces. The church's acoustics amplified the emotional impact, turning the performance into something far beyond a simple cover version.
Live choir cover of Metallica's song
What makes the video especially compelling is the contrast between metal music and the church setting. That unexpected combination is precisely why the performance resonates so strongly online. Viewers from around the world have praised the choir's courage, musicality, and emotional expression.
In an era where audiences crave authenticity and emotional connection, performances like this remind us that great music knows no boundaries. Whether metal or classical, sacred or secular, music has the power to unite people in shared emotion – and this performance is a perfect example.
