As we approach the end of our 160. Anniversary year we are pleased to have celebrated this milestone with our friends in the Pittsburgh District on Saturday, November 15. The Saengerhalle was beautifully decorated with flowers on every table donated by our singer Bill Benzer. After Saengergruss by both Choruses, followed by the Schweizer Maennerchor Helvetia leading us in the Swiss National Anthems followed by the German National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner we welcomed our guests and members with the Maennerchor singing several songs. Singer Peter Schurig who wrote a poem for this special Anniversary year recited it in German and the audience was able to follow it in translation in our program. The Damenchor President Alice Weinbrenner welcomed all with special remarks while the Damenchor added to the musical part of the program with several songs which earned them rousing applause by the audience.
The Kinderchor/Jugendchor presented a much improved performance under the direction of Janet showcasting the talents of the children and their teachers. The Kinder / Jugendchor is always a wonderful addition to our concerts and very much appreciated. Aus Kindern werden Leute, or children will grow into adults and hopefully the songs they learn will stay with them and maybe inspire them to join one of the choruses.
Elisabeth Jaskot who joined the Damenchor in 1989 was to be honored for 25 years of singing, but had a short stay in the hospital and was unable to attend. Wir wuenschen Ihr schnelle Genesung. The award will be presented at a later date.
The Teutonia choruses presented a very special “Urkunde” to Damenchor Presidentin Alice and husband Herbert Weinbrenner. Both have been most loyal members of the chorus for 62 and 65 years. They both held office not only in the chorus but also in the Teutonia. Alice having served as Secretary to the 100th, 125th and 150th Anniversary, and held the office as Damenchor President in the past and serves the chorus at present. She tells us that she is most proud of having been the driving force in fund raising to acquiring the Damenchor Flag during her tenure in 1985. Herb and Alice married in 1954 and celebrated their Wedding reception at the Teutonia and so it was a very special 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends to celebrate again at the Teutonia. For their dedication to Family and the Teutonia we are most proud and wish them good health and years of happiness in the coming years.
Brigitte Schmidt and her husband Nicholas Schulz accompanied by John Moyer on the Piano gave a special presentation of songs by Franz Lehar, ending with a Duet “Lippen schweigen” from the Opera “Lustigen Witwe”. A wonderful addition to the special Anniversary concert.
The Schweizer Maennerchor “Helvetia” under the direction of Stephen Lipnichan presented a nice selection of songs with Conny Ostertag introducing the songs as well as congratulating the Teutonia on the big event. The Bloomfield Liedertafel under the direction of our Director Ed Helgerman performed with a reduced chorus and still gave a great performance.
The Teutonia Ladies and men ended the concert with a selection of songs from the Heimat and ending with “Kling, Kling”, a spirited song enthralling the virtues of wine. The choruses could not resist an encore “Im Zigeuner Lager” In the Gypsy Camp which was received with a rousing round of applause. After the concert the Peter Karsti Trio entertained for listening and dancing. This ended a year of celebrating Teutonia’s founding in 1854 and we are certain the Teutonia will be a beacon in the German community for another century and beyond.
