Stiftungsfest: Celebrating Our Roots

Beethoven Maennerchor celebrates a variety of events every year, and each has its own German word that describes the occasion. But if your first language isn't German, things can get a little confusing.

Let me give you an example from a recent event. We just celebrated Fasching, hosted by the Beethoven Damenchor, and it's sort of the German Mardi Gras where participants wear beads, dress up in costume and let it all hang out.

Stiftungsfest is another one of those core German festivities. It's a time when Beethoven opens its doors to pay homage to the founders of the organization. This year, Beethoven will celebrate this founder's event on March 21.

So what does it mean? Why is it it important?

For some insight, we turned to Beethoven Maennerchor's Vice President, Ken Weber. He uses a word that we should explain now: Gemutlichkeit. It is used to describe a state of warmth and friendliness, coziness, peace of mind, belonging, and social acceptance.

Q: Imagine the founders of Beethoven walked through the doors. When they
see the club room and go inside the rehearsal hall, do you think they'd be
impressed with what they would see? Is Beethoven living out their original
intent?

Ken Weber: First, I believe our founders entering the club would see a lot of historic perspectives from Maennerchor photos, to the Sangerfest awards, to the many artifacts from past years to make this a feeling of such past in this club, but most importantly the "Gemutlichkeit" feel of the club members and guests just enjoying each other's company and time to share this proud german hertitage.  In the rehearsal hall we are surrounded by our namesake - Beethoven - in images and statues. But most important is the heritage and the continuing joy of the German music in the weekly rehearsal setting (both in the Maennerchor and Damenchor rehearsal halls).

Q: Why should we celebrate the founders and founding of a club like ours?

Weber: It is the German heritage and celebration of the German contributions in our South Texas communities that bring us together. The culture and music and the German influence of our area and community [have continued to] develop through the years.

Q: What's important or special about Beethoven to you?

Weber: Working together and the Gemutlichkeit we bring to our annual community celebrations, starting with Fiesta at the Beethoven to the Maifest and Gartenfest, leading up to the traditional celebration of the Oktborfest weekends. We start with year by celebrating ourselves and recognizing members for their time and efforts at the Beethoven through Stiftungsfest.

Q: What can a visitor expect when they celebrate Stiftungsfest at Beethoven in terms of atmosphere, entertainment, and celebration?

Weber: A visitor would experience the same Gemutlichkeit that the Beethoven is noted for, through song, sharing, recognizing longevity, celebrating a very rich past and future of our German heritage.

Ken mentioned a few of the other celebrations at Beethoven, which is a perfect opportunity to tell you when they will be held. Stay tuned to this site for more information on the events and the meaning behind them.

Fiesta: April 22-24
Maifest: (if you were thinking May, you'd be correct!) It's May 15.
Gartenfest: begins June 19, and takes place on the third Fridays of each month until September.
Oktoberfest: October 2-3, 9-10

Prost!