Beethoven Choirs Travel to Houston for Deutsch Texanischer Saengerbund

Members of the Beethoven Damenchor sing at the 69th annual Texas Saengerfest

Over the weekend, members from the Beethoven Maennerchor and Damenchor traveled to Houston to participate in the 69th Saengerfest of the Deutsch Texanischer Saengerbund. The statewide festival of German music included a delegation meeting and dinner dance, concluding on Sunday with choral performances by groups from Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and New Braunfels. Groups such as Chorgemeinschaft Texas, a traveling cohort, Maenner Massenchor, a men's mass choir, and Gemischter Massenchor, a mixed mass choir, took the stage with spirited pieces as well.

The event, hosted by the Houston Liederkranz, also celebrated the club's 90th anniversary. Houston Mayor Annise Parker offered welcoming remarks in the printed program to people attending the festival from across the state. She congratulated the Liederkranz. "[We] continue to recognize their German heritage by bringing music and culture to our community," she said.

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Houston, Ricarda Redeker, noted the clubs' sustaining qualities. "Thank you for keeping the spirit of German folk music and choir traditions alive," she said.

Sunday's program began with what has come to be a favorite among participants at the Saengerfest events, whether regional or at the state level. And that is the flag ceremony, a parade of each club's colors, starting with the oldest. And of course right here at home, Beethoven Maennerchor is the first with its founding in 1867.

And while this weekend paid tribute to the Houston Liederkranz, get ready for a big party with the club on Pereida. Beethoven will mark its 150th year in 2017! Stay tuned for information.