Sybille reports

Perhaps not everyone likes summer this year as much as I did. I prefer not having to turn on the air-conditioning. I prefer sleeping with a window open. I like not being hot all the time and having to drink too much to fill up the body fluids. For me this summer was pretty much ideal, like in the good old days back home during my youth, when moderate temperatures were the norm. But nothing is the norm any more. Anything is possible. This summer had class, it was classic middle of the road and delivered classical programs we enjoyed.

There was a concert – Postcards from Italy - with Giovanna Carini, the soprano with the big voice and a megaton smile. We had seen her in a few productions of Opera York and other concerts and fell in love with her clear as a bell voice. She has a flair for the dramatic traditions of Italian opera, but can accommodate any style.

Her program at the Heliconian Hall on Toronto’s posh Hazelton Lanes was designed around 3 themes:

Spirit - a selection of sacred oratorio arias,
Art - a selection of art songs, and
Heart - a selection of opera arias.

She was accompanied by the fabulous pianist Erika Reiman. In the second part of the concert Baritone Wayne Line added to the rich program with his opera selections. The concert was billed as a fund raiser to send Giovanna to Italy to a major competition in Milano.

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon well spent and we wish Giovanna as much success in Italy as she deserves.

Schubert and Chopin

An extraordinary concert in a most unusual venue took place early August. US Pianist Grace Nikae performed in a small Toronto Fashion studio among gorgeous photographs of Canadian women by Caitlin Cronenberg. Like an exotic butterfly she graced the intimate party, exuding at the same time a great humanity. It is this special trait of hers that makes her performance unique. She is not just all technique and bravado, she is interested in her fellow man and it shows in the way she plays and reaches out to the composer as well as the listener. If art can be summed up as the quality of communication then she has mastered it brilliantly. Seldom have I felt as touched by the sonatas of Chopin and Schuman as in this intimate setting, that actually was too small to contain such a big talent, but made the experience of meeting her so special.

Anyone interested in her music, her newest CD, which was launched that night, should visit her website at www.gracenikae.com and get to know her better. Her website is very informative and interactive. She is trying to communicate to as many people as possible. Her work ethic and desire to do useful work is astounding and deserves to be commended. You can find a press release on her on our website.

Goethe in the City

Just in time for a busy fall season the Goethe Institut Toronto reopened its doors after extensive renovations. Many dignitaries and local community leaders attended this cultural affair.

The current Director of the institute Sonja Griegoschewski introduced to packed room Germany’s newest Ambassador in Ottawa Dr. Georg Witschel, and the new director of the German Goethe Institut Worldwide in Munich, Klaus-Dieter Lehmann. They both eloquently expressed the importance of cultural exchange. Introduced and present was also the new Consul General of Toronto Mrs .Sabine Sparwasser. For more data on current and very exiting programs visit our website in the August issue on our events page.

Team Goethe Institut Toronto with the artist Heike Weber (centre)

Canadian National Exhibition

Scenes from the CNE

The EX Fun all around

We went to the Air Show at the CNE. You might ask what the German connection is at this event. Well, a large part of culture is made up of the basics, like food and drink. For the 4^th time this year Lein’s Delicatessen was the caterer, not only to the general public but also for the corporate entities in the VIP section. This was a huge responsibility, especially since the contract also included the lunch box services for 250 volunteers to the air show and all the personal of the Superdogs.

We watched the exciting air show from preferred seating together with Inge and Siggi Leibhold, while we enjoyed great food form Lein and delicious Merlot wine from Konzelmann Vineries. The amazing summer weather made this a very enjoyable event.

The Blue Angels

The 60^th anniversary of the air show held a few special moments, like the American Blue Angels and of course our beloved Snowbirds. There simply is not a more beautiful sight then those graceful birds flying in formation.