One of the loveliest gatherings is the annual get-together at
the Delta Chelsea Inn in downtown Toronto invited to by the
Canadian Austrian Society. President Christine Meyer and her
assisting helpers have the pattern down pat. A festively
decorated ballroom is made into a cozy party room by the hotel
staff.
The Oesterreich
Ensemble under Manfred Petz |
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Willi Platzer,
instrumental and vocal |
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Between 7pm and 9:30pm a tight program is spooled off that
includes the Delta’s famous Goulash Soup and Salzstangerl. All
tables are festively laden with cakes, cookies, nuts and fruits.
An open bar is ready to serve anything; coffee is available
later too, mind you, with all the Viennese trimmings.
The entertainment is in a class by itself: Dr. Manfred Straka as
MC announces one fabulous presentation after the other: An
always thoughtful Gunther Kunzelmann tells relevant stories and
Manfred Petz conducts the
Oesterreich Ensemble, formerly members
of other choirs. Willi Platzer gives instrumental interludes and
in the end, after present children get a gift and a cheque to
SOS Kinderdorf has been announced, after the soup
and other
treats everyone sings along to the accordion lead of Mrs.
Straka.
The end is always heartfelt with Willi Platzer and Gunther
Konzelmann singing “Stille Nacht” and the 2nd and 3rd
verse everyone joins in. This is a true mood creator for the
right kind of Christmas.
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Helmut Gschösser |
Visting with Mrs. Nast |
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