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Toronto, Ontario:
We do not have to go far for our ethnically diversified
experiences; as a matter of fact we rely on them to do some good
and important work, as Tony Ruprecht, M.P.P. Toronto Davenport,
only recently confirmed again. The 5th edition of
“Toronto’s Many Faces” was recently released, and while our
publication is mentioned in there as one of the German-Canadian
contributors to the diversity, there are over 70 other ethnic
communities that make up our mosaic.
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| The Polish celebration with
what we call "Alphorns" |
Copies of this book were presented publically at Queens Park to
honour 10 of the many individuals, all renowned as cultural
leaders of their specific communities. In fact, this was one of
the largest non partisan gatherings of multicultural leaders,
foreign dignitaries and government officials in the history of
this province, with over 500 of them in attendance.
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| Tony Ruprecht, M.P.P. (c.)
with 10 honoured ethnic community leaders |
The speaker of the Ontario Legislature, the Honourable Steve
Peters, along with 26 Federal and Provinvial Ministers and
M.P.P’s were honouring 10 individuals who have shown real
leadership in cementing Canada’s relationship with Quebec -
especially during the period of 2 referenda, 1980 and 1993, when
Canada was teetering on the brink of breaking up.
Tony Ruprecht, who organized the event, told the packed
audience: “We came within a whisker of avoiding a great calamity
- the break-up of our country. Once again as we move closer to a
referendum it is my opinion that Canada’s ethno-cultural
connection is destined to preserve Canadian unity.”
South Africa: About a year and a half ago we had wonderful
visitors from Austria in our region. The members of the
Kaerntner Doppelsextett, under the baton of conductor Dr. Margit
Heissenberger, were ideal ambassadors of culture for their
country and much appreciated not only by our local Austrian
expatriates, but other people of German language heritage. Since
then the group has been to China representing their country and
now we can report that they had a successful and much
appreciated visit in South Africa.
 During this trip the group flew over 22 thousand miles over 8
flights and also took part in a bus-tour of the famous garden
route. This was all planned out by Fanie Smit Music Tours and
was sold out via Radio announcements prior to the trip.
Already on the day of their arrival in Johannesburg they gave
their first concert in the local Austrian club. From there they
traveled to Kapstadt were they gave concerts in Belleville and
Stellenbosch, and where the Austrian Ambassador gave them a
reception.
 Along the Garden Route they visited Hermanus, Albertina, Mossel,
Bay, George and Roodepoort. The finale of their concerts took
place in South Africa’s biggest universities in Pretoria. A
special treat were two songs in Africans studied and rehearsed
much in advance to this trip in honour of the country that
hosted them.
 Everywhere the Doppelsextett performed the applause was
overwhelmingly enthusiastic, proving without a doubt that
Austrian music is much loved in that country.
Dr. Margit Heissenberger said: “It is a special honour to travel
as Austria’s ambassadors of folk music. The language of music
opens hearts and builds bridges between people of different
countries, leading to a better understanding of each other.”
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Sybille reports as a German-Canadian about culture, arts,
entertainment, community events from her unique perspective as an artist.
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