November 2000 - Nr. 11
Austrian National Holiday Celebration
„Land der Berge, Land am Strome…" the Austrian National anthem was
the festive beginning of the celebration of Austria’s National Holiday
last Sunday at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. It was sung by the Austrian
Alpine Singers under the direction of Willi Platzer, on the stage, while the
audience stood up and sang along. Every one of the guests had received a
copy of the text of the anthem as a memory aid, since all three verses were
sung.
Willi Platzer then also introduced the host, the Austrian Consul General Frank Stronach, who spoke very eloquently about Austria and what the country still means to the many Austrians now residing in Canada.
Following
his address a beautiful film about Austria was shown on a movie screen,
flanked by the Austrian and Canadian flags. It was enthusiastically
applauded by the about 1000 guests in the auditorium.
To round out the celebration the "Krieglacher Spatzen" – a very entertaining group of talented musicians – performed a musical variety show for the guests. This group is currently touring in Canada and has already performed at the Hansa Haus earlier this last month.
A buffet reception followed this spectacular celebration demonstrating the love of the expatriate Austrians for their homeland.
r.k.a. ( culture, heritage,
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