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The Spotlight’s on ...
Gemischter Chor Harmonie
It took five years after the founding of New Braunfels, in March 1845
for the German settlers to establish singing societies. The Germania
Singing Society was the first formal singing group in Texas, and they
were founded on March 2, 1850. They sang familiar songs handed down from
the great composers of classical music, as well as German folk tunes.
Over the years, 16 singing groups were established. The last new one to
be formed was the Gemischter Chor Harmonie in 1937, with 46 men and
women singers. They participated in Saengerfests all over the state of
Texas.
When their original director, Gilbert Becker, died in 1985, William
Kretzmeier took over the direction of the group. He remains the director
today. Under his guidance, the Gemischter Chor Harmonie has remained
viable and now boasts approximately 50 performers singing four-part
harmony.
The Gemischter Chor Harmonie is the only remaining German singing group
in New Braunfels, and they host and attend Saengerfests around the
state. They also perform at local venues including Wurstfest.
Their
current Board of Directors includes: President Troy Tidwell; Vice
President Bill Moltz; Secretary Linda Coker; Treasurer Erna Diertert;
and At-Large Member Karola LeMieux.
They rehearse at the EdenHill
Friendship Room on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 830-626-8163 for
information.
To book a performance of Gemischter Chor Harmonie, call
Tommy Daum at 830-625-8937.
The Greater New Braunfels Arts Council focuses the spotlight on a
different member organization in each newsletter. |
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