Even as members reflect on the dozens of get-togethers, birthday celebrations, large gatherings and the small, the calendar of upcoming commitments is unforgiving.
Claus Heide, president of Beethoven Maennerchor, said he is grateful to the scores of volunteers, members and guests who made 2015 what it was.
"The First Fridays, Gartenfests, Fiesta and Oktoberfests were well-received and crowd-pleasing," Heide said.
Next up will be the annual ceremony commemorating those German soldiers who fought in World War II and are buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Named Volkstrauertag, the commemoration this year will be special with American and German guests, including military officials and state leaders.
"A brass quintet will accompany the choir's solemn and cherished songs," Heide said. "We will also welcome a host of dignitaries from the United States and German militaries."
In attendance will be Lt. General Perry L. Wiggins, Commanding General, U.S. Army North, Brigadier General Dirk H. Backen, Defense Attache, German Army, and Nina Petrow, the new Honorary Consul, Federal Republic of Germany, and Ben Buecker.
Volkstrauertag is a public holiday in Germany that occurs two Sundays before the first day of Advent. Held to honor those who died in armed conflicts, or as the victims of violent oppression, the event was first observed in its modern form in 1952.
The last of the First Friday events that Beethoven will host in 2015 will take place on Dec. 4. Entry to the event is $5, with members of the military with an ID, those under the age of 18, and Beethoven members, enjoying free admission. The Beethoven Dance Band will open. Austin rock/pop band Wrenfro will follow with a crowd-pleasing set.
Then it's on to a Beethoven favorite: Kristkindlmarkt, a time visitors can peruse things like knick-knacks and steins to stuff in their loved ones' Christmas stockings! The Beethoven choirs will create a festive atmosphere while vendors and shoppers get in the Christmas spirit.
Throughout the season, the choirs will also be performing their well-rehearsed Christmas songs at various sites around town. Some of them include a performance at the Menger Hotel on Dec. 8 at 7:30; the 111th Deutsche Weihnachtsfeier at Trinity University at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Margarite Parker Chapel; and a river barge concert along the San Antonio River on Dec. 15.
"All of these are wonderful opportunities for Beethoven's choirs to showcase their talents to people in our community, while at the same time spreading the spirit of the season and helping people understand what Beethoven is," said Heide. "One of my favorites is Weihnachtsfeier, a Christmas candlelight service that's held completely in German. The music is extraordinarily meaningful, even if you don't speak German! You will recognize many of the pieces, and even hear a few you don't know."
The events are coming fast. Email us if you have any questions about any of the events. We'd love for you to take part!
