Seasonal Music

A German Christmas Concert

One of the season’s highlights is always a concert in St. Patrick’s Church, around the corner from the AGO. When the Männerchor Harfentöne, conductor Alfred Schormann, has a concert, many come, but never as many as this last time.

The Male Choir Harfentöne

The church was filled to capacity. Together with the Edelweiss Chor and Scholar Cantorum (conducted by Manfred Petz), which by the way means ‘Singschule’, as was explained to Santa Clause when he came to tell everyone that there was a lot of Christmas everywhere out there. Accomplished Linda Marcinkus accompanied when necessary on the Piano and a Christmas story was told too by Manfred Petz.

Schola Cantorum and Edelweiss Choir with Manfred Petz conducting

The concert itself was exactly what the audience wished for, a mix of traditional seasonal offerings, punctuated by three sing-along opportunities. These moments are so very welcome. Everyone stands up and jubilates in this great church, which makes the many voices sound astounding.

Whether all choirs sang together or each one alone or in various combinations the result was always the same. And appreciative audience gratefully applauded all efforts. As far as male choirs are concerned the Harfentöne certainly can give the Male Choir Concordia a run for their money. Both are rich in numbers and voices and have a great repertoire in German and English that is much beloved by all.

Christmas just is not complete without a couple of real Christmas concerts and this one delivered!

The coffee and Stollen afterwards in the ‘Gemeindehalle’ is always a nice way for wishing friends and acquaintances ‘Frohe Weihnachten und ein Frohes Neues Jahr’ and let the singers know how much their efforts are appreciated.

• African Christmas

• Via Salzburg’s Festive Concert

• A German Christmas Concert

• Salute to Vienna