January, 2006 - Nr. 1
Dick reports...
An Austrian Advent
Looking back to the pre-Christmas turmoil, I think this
event should be mentioned. A lot of tradition was being demonstrated here at
the annual Austrian "Advents Celebration" at the Delta Chelsea Inn, in
downtown Toronto,
just
a couple of weeks before Christmas.
The
evening took place in the seasonally decorated Mountbatten Room of the
hotel, with cookies, nuts and mandarin oranges and other décor on each
table, helping to set the mood for this festive occasion.
Manfred
Straka welcomed the guests and introduced the president of the association,
Christine Meyer, who in her address also welcomed Dr. Karl
Schmidt,
Austrian Consul and Trade Commissioner, and other dignitaries that were
present that evening.
Entertainment commenced with the Mixed Choir Edelweiss, Toronto, and members of Schola Cantorum with wonderful songs of the season under the direction of Manfred Petz.
Literary
contributions to this evening’s entertainment were poems and other stories,
as always, expertly presented by Günther Kunzelmann. Ulli Jeschke, CHIN
Radio host, contributed also to
this
event and recited the humorous "Legend of the Donkey", whom God eventually
lifted above all other animals.
Unfortunately
there were only a few youngsters present – but they all received a Christmas
gift.
A
typical Austrian touch was provided with hot and hardy Goulash Soup,
accompanied by rolls and
salted
buns with lots of caraway seeds on top. Much anticipated it was served
during intermission and quickly consumed by the many eager guests.
To
conclude the evening in the spirit of Christmas, Nelda Straka led all
present with her accordion in about a dozen songs of the season – some in
German and
some
in English – from ‘Jingle Bells’ to ‘Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht’, that were
sung by most of the audience with sincere enthusiasm. - r.k.a.
Comments to: dick@echoworld.com
