VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE OCTOBER 2008 CARPATHIA 95 YEAR CHOIRForwarded From Carpathia Donauschwaben by Erika Zoller
The
Carpathia Chor 95 Stiftungs-Konzert & Frauengruppe Bankett on May 10 was a
big success and a pleasure for all who attended. Members and guests arrived
early to enjoy each others company and our friendly and familiar Carpathia Club
Surroundings. After
a delicious dinner of breaded pork chops and oven baked chicken and a wonderful
Torten dessert provided by the ladies of the choir, Blondine Klimach and John
Huth opened the program with welcomes and introductions. The
Frauengruppe was next with kind remarks from Leiterin, Irene Dietz, and the
bestowing of 40, 20 and 10 year pins. Beautiful German poems were read by Karin
Schwalbe, Theresia Schneider and Irene Dietz. In
quick order, the Carpathia Choir marched in, nearly 50 strong, to begin their
always beloved Mother’s Day Concert. Many beautiful songs followed, under the
expert direction of Erwin Aufdemberge and accompanied by pianist, Lisa Meredith.
Old favorites like “Wenn die Musik Kommt” and “Belle Bimba”
featured all the voices, from the clear, high sopranos to the contrasting deep
tones of the men. “Heissa Kathreinerle” sounded fresh and cheerful.
There was pleasing harmony in other songs, especially “An den Mai”,
which had been sung so beautifully at the Kommers in Windsor on Apri1 12. The
audience enjoyed hearing all the voices spotlighted and then blended so
smoothly. Before
the fi rst half ended, Leiterin Theresia Olsavsky bestowed 10 year pins to
Irmgard Martin and Franz Martin. Michael Schleis received a 25 year pin from the
Deutschen Chorverband. Then a Double Quartet with Aufdemberge and 7 choir
members sang “Lebe-Liebe-Lache.” This hearty song was sung acappella and
reminded many people of the sound of a barbershop quartet; very accomplished and
very enjoyable. Nineteen
ladies of the former “Madchenkranz” and directed by member Blondine Klimach
opened the second half of the program and delighted everyone with 4 songs and 2
encores (per John’s “Zugabe, Zugabe). “Wahre
Freundschaft” was followed by ‘Niemand halt den Wind”, a romantic song of
young love. “Ich bin ein
Kind vom Donautal” evoked both the joy and sadness of remembering the old
homeland. The first encore, “River Blue” was hauntingly beautiful, followed
by the nostalgic signature song of the Madchenranz, “Ganz in Weiss.” The
singing was beautiful, clear and bright, belying the passage of many years and
only a few short weeks of practice. Many of the ladies had come from far to lend
their talents. Their joy at singing together again came through in their voices
and shone on their smiling faces. We were all transported once more to our
youth. Their singing was the highlight of the evening for those in attendance
that night. The
concert concluded with the entire choir singing several more beautiful songs.
The only English song “Chiquitita,” was wonderful, and became stronger with
each verse. “Nachtigall” was a pleasure with its soft, high lead in. In
“Rosenzeit” all the voices sounded strong and harmonious. The hard work and
professionalism of Aufdemberge in his fi rst year with the Carpathia Choir was
evident and much appreciated by the choir members and the entire Carpathia
community. Enzian
Band played for everyone’s enjoyment. Many wonderful gifts, donated by the
Fraunegruppe and the choir were raffl ed off to the delight of the lucky
winners. Therseia Nowak provided the viola centerpieces which were also raffled.
Anna Ess provided the ingredients for the Torten. We can only begin to thank the
many volunteers who helped make the evening such a success. Erika
Zoller
Reprinted with Permission Carpathia Club 38000 Utica Road Sterling Heights, Michigan
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