January 2003 - Nr. 1
Christmas Tradition in Hamilton
SFR, with notes by George Fischer
The Germania Choirs of Hamilton gave a traditional Christmas concert on December 8th in the First-Pilgrim United Church, which was filled to capacity with people mostly of the German speaking community. Some visitors came from as far away as Peterborough, Clarke’s Corner near Lake Huron, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Over many years the Choirs developed a very large repertoire of Christmas songs with broad appeal. Among the older songs was the enchanting ‘Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen’ by Praetorius; and in the contemporary selections were such songs as ‘Caro mio ben (An den Frieden)’ and ‘Vater unser’ by G. Fischer. There were also songs with local identities, such as the Bavarian ‘A Liachterschein liegt ueberm Land’, the ‘Andachts-jodler’ from Tyrol, and ‘O Freude ueber Freude’ from Silesia.
The Ladies’ Choir performed three songs, including the song ‘Were you there on that Christmas Night?’, and the Male Choir likewise sang three songs, including Beethoven’s ‘Heilige Nacht’. A sextet of ladies sang ‘Little Drummer Boy’ with Vaughan Hachey on the drum, and a double quartet sang the ‘Ave Maria’ by C. Saint-Saens. The special vocalists for these songs were Betty Boerkamp, Netty DeWit, Erika Mildenberger, Brigitte Muessner, Gertrud Press, Hedda Wagenblast, and Christine Eastwood.
There was also a fine solo by Christine Eastwood as she sang the delightful tune ‘Die Glocken von Stella Maria’, accompanied by Brigitte Muessner on the guitar.
There were also congregational songs, such as ‘The First Noel’, ‘O Tannenbaum’, and, of course, ‘Silent Night’. David Simon was the emcee, who imparted a friendly, light-hearted touch to the program. The choirs concluded the concert with the ever-popular ‘O Holy Night’ by A. Adams and the rousing ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ by Haendel.
For the quality of the performance credit needs to be given to the conductor Linus Press. After taking great care with the focus on the harmonies, dynamics, diction, and tempo, there is still the challenge to fine-tune the balance during any performance. And always he imparts that needed energy to the choir, which gives a special touch to each performance. For Linus Press this was the thirty-first Christmas concert with the Germania Choirs, and his work is much appreciated by the community and the choirs, which are also very grateful for the accompaniment by his son Linus Press, who has played for them many years.
Following the concert, the ladies of the choir served refreshments, which included a wide variety of German-style cookies. This too has become a dear tradition. Thanks a lot!
The concert was free as usual, but donations were accepted after the concert. Except for covering the cost of some local expenditures, the money thus raised was sent to the Dresden Flood Relief.
The
generosity of the public is much appreciated and the choir hopes that
everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!
