The German Canadian Club Hansa has become known for bringing musical fare of the classical kind to its house. This time there was a new twist. Instead of featuring well-known areas from famous operas and operettas Walter Kornelson had the brilliant idea of mixing the classical genre with the real down to earth goodness of Volkslieder.

There were songs from Wagner, ideal to reminisce on those famous mythical stories, and enough to recognize Wagner’s unique ability to tell a story. Each of his operas has a couple of very famous songs that endure and keep them alive. Schubert Lieder have enjoyed a special spot in our hearts and are familiar, not only to our choirs, famous singers but also to a broad audience. Das Heidroeslein, no matter which version, is an all time favorite, as are Die Forelle and Am Brunnen vor dem Tore, people were invited to sing along to the latter. This communal participation is an important component. After having all this influx of beautiful musical communication people enjoy being able to flow something out of themselves that creates a joyous feeling.

Wendy Dobson, soprano

Some arias from operas and operettas are so popular that they have become part of daily life. People often hum such a favorite melody and thus have elevated the lofty aria to a humble song.

Vanessa Grant, mezzo-soprano

What really makes this kind of an afternoon special is the information, the stories that Walter Kornelson brings to it. There is wonderful background data as to how something came about, which endears our favorite songs even more to us.

Lenard Whiting, tenor

Wendy Dobson, a favorite in the club, Vanessa Grant and Lenard Whiting under the musical direction and accompanied by Sue Black (who played on an instrument donated to the club by Echo Germanica’s Dr. Richard Altermann) entertained the audience once again with an offering from the heart and for the heart.

Performance on stage
Applause and flowers for the performers

The club’s president Robert Gutwein thanked them with flowers for all of us.

Sybille Forster-Rentmeister

The audience