A number of wives of the younger Beethoven singers felt the desire to also combine their musical abilities to perpetuate the songs that they brought from Germany.
The wives began to congregate in homes where a piano was available. The guiding light was Lottie Hermann, in whose home plans were finalized to attain the status of a recognized women's choir. Charter members consisted of Gisela Bauer, Liddy Dyrrlich, Hedwig Garms, Wilhelmine Bauer, Gertrude Garms, Lottie Hermann, Gretchen Heinig, Marie Heinig, Freda Koch, Gretchen Heinig Schaefer, Mary Schaefer, and Agnes Weyrich. Gisela Bauer served as the director for 50 years.
The time came when everyone concerned felt that they were ready to "face the music." They wanted to be a part of the Beethoven Maennerchor and contacted its president, Mr. Fritz Schilo, Sr., who obtained permission from the Board of Directors to operate as an auxiliary body of the Beethoven Maennerchor. A permanent set of by-laws was to be adopted and the chorus was given its name. The requirement was established that the membership of the Beethoven Damenchor would help support the Maennerchor in ways that would perpetuate German song and word in Texas.
In 1951, the Beethoven Maennerchor sponsored the Beethoven Damenchor's membership in the Deutch-Texanischen Saengerbund, better known as the Statts-Sangerbund. It was founded in the pioneer days of 1854 to bring the German men choirs of the larger cities in Texas closer together.
Since its establishment, the Beethoven Damenchor has been able to attract great voices into its ranks. The choir's function became well known throughout the state, resulting in the forming of the Houston Sangerbund Damenchor on June 3, 1938, and Austin Saengerrunde Damenchor on February 9, 1959.
The Beethoven Damenchor is committed to do its share to support worthwhile projects in our community. It supported the San Antonio Fiesta Association, the River Parade, and the Fiesta Garden Concerts. The choir has participated in Saengerfests in Dallas, Houston, Austin, New Baunfels and Fredericksburg, as well as events at the Maennerchor. Community outreach includes performing at nursing homes, hospitals, and other functions.
The Beethoven Damenchor is in existence today because of the untiring effort and loyalty of its members, who are always ready to lend their voices or a helping hand. This devotion has held up the choir's strength and purpose for 80 years.
If you are interested in becoming a member, Applications can be picked up in the club room or downloaded here. Please submit the form to a member of the Damenchor in person. Annual dues are $30 with a $5 application fee. Membership includes benefits like free admission to events at the Beethoven. The Damenchor sponsors the club's annual German-inspired Christmas market, Kristkindlmarkt.
