February 2002 - Nr. 2
Community events
The year started as usual with a pleasant get-together at the Danube Swabian Club, called appreciation night. Anyone who is considered having contributed to the organisations success is invited to an evening of good food, drink and thanks.
This
year there was a lot of light-hearted banter between President Toni Baumann
and everyone there. Usually serious he did not once even try. We take that
as very good news, because in previous years, especially in the beginning
after the new premises were opened, he often spoke to us about the need for
money and how much is still being owed. This year there was no talk of that
at all, just the recognition of all the volunteers and staff, media and
friends and sponsors who make this all work and, most importantly, make
people come back for more. And that they do.
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The club is well known as a centre for German style culture. The atmosphere is always pleasant and caring, no doubt thanks to Toni Baumann and the people at his side. After Mr. Baumann was finished acknowledging everyone for their contribution to the success of the club all present gave up a round of applause to thank him for his tremendous efforts.
But
all speeches must come to an end and the music must play, and so it was this
night too that a lot of fun was to be had dancing and talking to friends.
Only a week later there was a variety night held, organized by the senior
Sing and Dance-Group, one of the prolific parts of this organisation that
raises, like the Woman’s Auxiliary, funds for themselves and the club.
Unfortunately we could not attend, but heard that it was a resounding
success.
The Forget-Me-Nots gave an evening of classical Music. This family has always been very generous with its talent in the community. The evening took place past our deadline and we will report on it in the next issue to due it justice. So watch out for the story of the Forget-Me-Nots.
The next events to watch for are the Children’s Masked Ball on Feb. 10, and the Rose Monday bash the after. Of course we will be there!
A Special Senior’s Concert
This
concert was to bring the experience of opera and operetta music close to a
generation of music lovers, which does no longer have the opportunity often
to go to the opera for an entire evening, but does not want to miss out on
one of lives great pleasures. The luncheon and concert was also meant to
bring seniors close to a very special artist, an artist who cares a great
deal about the people he sings for, Mark DuBois.
Unfortunately none of us will hear him sing for a while, but he knows more than most people that the show must go on. So from his sickbed, after a severe accident, he recreated and directed the concert in its making. His musical friends did not let him down.
The
Gentlemen Bruce Kelly, Baritone, and Tenor Paul Kowarsky, and Giselle
Fredette, mezzo-soprano, and Suzanne Compass, soprano, Wendy Maxwell,
soprano, accompanied by pianist Danny MacEarlain, blew away an adoring
public.
Mind
you, without Dubois making the appropriate remarks in-between and himself
singing some of his wonderful songs, it was not quite the same, nor what we
expected, but it was very good and interesting nevertheless. Kelly routinely
makes an audience feel good with his rich and well-rounded baritone.
And
especially Gisèlle Fredette can always be counted on to be effervescent and
beguiling. Suzanne Compass sings her operatic standards with much flourish
and Wendy Maxwell, new to me, astounded with an elegant simplicity, which
was utterly charming. The huge voice of Paul Kowarsky did not need any
microphone at all. In fact he had to often step away for the endings of his
performances, which he preferred to sing in an Italian fashion, "give them
all you got", which garnered him big applause.
This
kind of concert is to be a regular feature in the program of Opera York,
which is committed to active community work. And now that we did not have
Mark DuBois to lead us through the program personally we even more realise
the value of this vastly talented artist. While he is rehabilitating his
injured body parts he will continue to run the opera as artistic director.
A lot of medical procedures are required to make him as good as new and
the medical bills must be mounting for sure. His local church in Hockley
Valley has started a fund to help with the medical bills. If you would like
to contribute to the well being and restoration of one of Canada’s treasures
you can call the Hockley United Church for more information at
519-942-2090.In the meantime we wish him a speedy recovery. We shall keep
you informed of his progress.
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
