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The annual gala affair of Toronto’s Austrian Society
celebrated, under the auspices of his Excellency the Ambassador
of the Federal Republic of Austria, Mag. Werner Brandstetter,
another successful ball. Each year a famous Austrian is chosen
to be highlighted and the date of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death in
1809 made the theme an obvious choice.
 After an elegant reception in the foyer of the Concert Hall
resplendent with festively dressed guests enjoying champagne and
the musings of a pianist everyone was treated at their tables to
a really wonderful dinner. The starter was an ample serving of
perfectly dressed jumbo shrimp, followed by a chicken consommé
with somewhat misunderstood but passable mini-"Griesnockerln".
Never before have we tasted in our long years of recollection
Beef Tenderloin and Braised Beef Short ribs at the Fairmont
Royal York as tender and perfectly cooked as this time. The
entrée was complimented by a Pinot Noir sauce and roasted potato
flan and root vegetables in the perfect amount. A Dobo Torte
with "Schlag" topped it all off. The only thing missing was the
customary wine, which patrons had to take care of themselves
from a rather expensive but well chosen wine list.
 Of course first there was a warm welcome extended to all guests,
first by then Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Herbert Wolf, and the
President of the Austrian Society, Christine Meyer. The head
table was also introduced: His Excellency the Austrian
Ambassador to Canada, Magister Werner Brandstetter, who spoke
spoke after dinner to the crowd and conveyed his pleasure for
being there and some comparing
 notes about Austria and Canada;
Dr. Jutta Szepp, former Austrian Consul, Toronto; Mr. Alfred
Wirth, National Chairman of the Austrian Canadian Council and
Ms. Elena Opisim; Mr. Don McWilliam, Country Manager Canada
Austrian Airlines, and Mrs. Mc William; Mrs. Christine Meyer,
President Canadian Austrian Society; and Mr. John Raschke, Past
President of the Canadian Austrian Society.
| Introducing
Haydn |
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 Interesting was the entertainment, a fabulous video about
Austria was shown on giant flat screens and a live introduction
to the life of Franz Joseph Hayden with explanatory commentary
and a costumed piano player and Russian soprano of Bolshoi
Theatre fame.
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| Matt Lebar & his Ensemble |
The rest of the evening was mainly taken up with dancing to the
familiar sounds of the Matt Lebar Band.
Honouring of Herbert Wolf
by the Austrian Ambassador
Magister Werner Brandstetter
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However, there were a
few moments of intense admiration for Herbert Wolf when he was
decorated with the "Ehrenzeichen in Gold für Verdienste um die
Republic Österreich", the highest honour a civilian can receive.
His untiring work to bring Austrian Airline to this country and
working 23 years for them, also having been with the Austrian
Tourist Bureau before, earned him together with his assistance
in the Austrian Society and his untiring efforts to promote
Austria this high honour.
 Another intense moment arrived when the door price, 2 tickets
via Austrian Airline to Vienna and hotel stay was being drawn.
At first it looked as though there was not to be a claim, but
then Mr. Otto Kirchmayr of Georgetown came forward as the lucky
winner. After that the silent draw was available in the next
room, were many lovely prizes where taken away. The pretty pink
Azaleas from the tables were also going home with the lucky
person who had a birthday closest to that of Haydn.
 The best part however was that the dance floor was not
jam-packed and that there was more room than usual at the
tables, which made for much more comfort and better
conversation.
Hopefully this lovely tradition can be upheld for a long time to
come.
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