November 2002 - Nr. 11
National Festivities
October
is a month when Germany celebrates a "National-Feiertag". To this end the
Consulate General of the Federal Government of Germany usually holds an
official reception. As in the few last years it was held in the Ontario
Club, right in the heart of downtown Toronto. The new Consul General, Dr.
Klaus Rupprecht, was standing at the entrance to the salon to greet his many
guests, which included German Canadian community leaders of business and
cultural organisations. At hand also were a few politicians and diplomats.
The speeches were light and short and referred of course to all the things
German and how it relates in recent history. A huge buffet and a bar looked
after the physical well-being of all and the mood was animated.
Opera on Command, not just for a Royal Visit
We did not stick around long because we had a date with Michael Schade, or rather the Canadian Opera Company, for which the tenor was performing one of his favourite roles, Oedipus Rex. This short, yet never the less monumental opera is indeed breathtaking. Schade as the tragic king towers over the set, symbolically shaped to look as a mountain of humanity in his charge, ailing, suffering, looking for redemption, as to be saved from the evil sickness that has befallen them all.
![Ewa Podles as Jocasta and Michael Schade as Oedipu in the COC's production of "Oedipus Rex with Symphony of Psalms" [Photo: Douglas Robertson]](211c-COC-245.jpg)
As
in nearly all Greek tragedies the oracle plays an important role, setting
the stage for the changes of the plot, propelling the drama forward,
toppling a king or other heroes. Here Oedipus Rex has to sacrifice his
position to save his people. Unbeknownst to him he is at the centre of
truth, and being a king of his word, he does not betray his people but pays
the consequence.
![The finale of the COC's production of "Oedipus Rex with Symphony of Psalms" [Photo: Douglas Robertson]](211c-COC-313.jpg)
This
work points out the responsibilities of leaders. It speaks of actions, not
of extricating oneself with diplomacy and fancy footwork to preserve ones
position, something we would like to see again in our leaders.
Michael Schade was simply superb. Of all the wonderful parts in this short opera, his performance impacted the most. And it has been said by other reviewers that this time he has created even more impact than the last time he performed this part.
Immediately after the opera’s run he had to rehearse for the Queen’s Jubilee Extravaganza in Roy Thompson Hall. Like most of you we saw this on TV and were blown away by the immediacy of his performance, the spontaneity and generosity of his personality. We enjoyed hearing what other celebrities had to say about the Queen, including Mark DuBois. In fact the entire coverage of the Queens visit was really an extraordinary thing to experience and proved again that music is a universal communication that has the ability to unite people. Suddenly there was a lot less descent towards the monarchy. There simply is nothing like a little bit of reality, like the Queen’s visit provided; and enhanced by the arts and other communications the affinity towards something that otherwise is simply a concept without anything we can touch and feel becomes more real.
Somewhere around that time I was (earlier in the summer/for radio) interviewed for the CBC, which is also celebrating a 50-year jubilee. The subject matter was "Why do Germans like Canada so much?" It was fun contributing to that.
I did not have a chance to hear the program. Did anyone of you?
Austria's National Holiday
And in early November the local Austrians celebrated their
National Holiday. Usually the Consul General held a big event of some sort.
However, this year he postponed it indefinitely.
Instead the president of the Canadian Austrian Society opened the doors of her residence to the members of the association for a reception.
Mrs.
Christine Meyer went all out in making this a wonderful event. High above
the city, in an uptown penthouse, from where the vista of Toronto is quite
beautiful, festive people congregated and enjoyed a lovely buffet and some
delicious wine. Strudel and coffee were of cause also available and later
on, after a brief ceremonial part, Sacher Torte was available.
Willi
Platzer was at hand to lead everyone in singing the national anthem; Gunther
Kunzelmann read a wonderful historical bit, confirming the sincere and
charming nature of the Austrians, and Austrian Vice Consul and Trade
Commissioner Karl Schmidt explained the current situation with Austria and
the hopes for the future.
Hostess
Christine Meyer also gave an update on the association’s activities. She was
especially pleased and grateful about the great response to the fundraiser
for the flood relieve. Many thousands of dollars were sent in and exact
figures will be made available at a later date.
There
are either events coming up celebrating our culture and customs, and as we
have the data available we can report on them. First and foremost we are
looking forward to an exiting Christmas season with all the trimmings we are
so familiar with. Anything further needed to enhance this wonderful custom
can be found on one of our many Christmas markets. They all have different
exhibitors. So, do not sell yourself short and only go to one.
We shall see you there!
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
