Greater New Braunfels Arts Council

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

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Newsletter Editor:
Veronica Sarkozi

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.