Dick reports...

Switzerland in Scarborough

It was the hottest day of the year – so far – when the Swiss invaded the Danube Swabian Club with one of the hottest series of entertainment in a while.

Accordion Orchestra Aesch

Back on the stage: the Jodelverein Schloss Brünelli

Alphorngruppe Thierstein-Laufenthal

Over 50 musicians had arrived from Chicago. This was their second stop at what they called their Kulturtournee 2009. Ottawa and Montreal were the next venues on their schedule on this trip. The reason for the trip was explained to me by a spokesperson for the tour. "We started about two years ago with the plans for this trip and it was our dream to present Swiss culture to North America and Canada. Our contacts in the US and Canada agreed that the people are quite receptive to our culture since many clubs and affiliations loose members every year due to attrition, and the connection to their homeland becomes more tenuous from one generation to the next. This is why we would like to export our Swiss culture again."

Of course this also works for other ethnic cultures, as we have been experiencing in our own vicinity. One of the reasons being, that we have neglected to foster interest in our own culture by including the younger generations in it. But apparently we are not alone in this dilemma.

But on this evening – to a sold-out club – we were able to enjoy accordion music from the Accordion Orchestra Aesch; yodeling and songs from the Jodlerverein Schlossbruenelli and three members of the Alphorngruppe Thierstein-Laufenthal, with a demonstration that was enthusiastically received by the audience.

The program started a little later than scheduled due to the fact that the busses arrived a bit late and the performers had to be fed first.

Well, that did not present a great problem to the audience who was patiently waiting for the musicians because they were also treated to a new and "Swiss" speciality "Zurcher Gschnetzeltes", introduced by the new Swiss Chef, Christian Probst, at the Club.

All the people I asked just loved it. My first encounter with this delicacy was at the old Mövenpick Restaurant on York Street in Toronto – many years ago. I hope the club can keep this cook for a few years. He apparently knows what he is doing!

Rudi Meier conducts the Accordion Orchestra Aesch	Ready on the drums

The Accordion Orchestra we were enjoying this evening was founded in 1943 and now has 21 active members between the ages of 25 and 65. Pia Augsburger is the president and Rudi Meier the new conductor. The repertoire includes Swiss folk music; typical accordion melodies and some pop and rock. Something for everyone’s taste. It was very interesting to hear the various ways the music of the different accordions can be combined in an orchestral setting, with the help of a drummer and a keyboard. Very professional!

And the guy swinging the flag on the side of the stage? Also part of the Swiss tradition!

The Yodeler Group Schloss Brünelli

The many wonderful voices of the yodeler group enthralled the audience too, since most of them had never heard adults yodeling in a group, such as this. Extraordinary!

...and the Alphorn players

One of the most intriguing performance were the "Alphorn" players, that were able to persuade wonderful harmonies from those massive and long instruments. It created an almost mystical atmosphere for the enthralled audience.

Welcome by...
	...Henry Betsch, representing the Danube Swabian Association of Toronto
...Renè Walti, President Swiss Club Toronto	...Pia Augsburger, President Accordion Orchestra Aesch

After the first half of the program a short break was inserted - to do what comes naturally - and to make room for more of the liquid refreshments available at the bar.

The second half of the program staid in the theme of the first with different wonderful melodies; yodeling and the Alphorn performances. This evening was a grand and fulfilling experience for a grateful audience. Thanks Toni! Thanks also to René Wälti, president of the Swiss Club, Toronto, for his help in organizing this event and his very informative introduction. Contact information for the orchestra: www.aoaesch.ch

As always

Dick Altermann