North American Singers Association

German Originality

German American Flags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The History of the Liederkranz  (A Work In Progress!!!!)

 

SAN ANTONIO LIEDERKRANZ

A Short History

The San Antonio Liederkranz was established in the summer of 1892 by the German Catholic immigrant congregation that had built St. Joseph’s Church twenty years earlier. Under the auspices of the Rev. Henry Pfefferkorn, the choir was formed to beautify the German services and sing at the German festivals of the parish and the community. The all-male choir has continued to sing Masses at St. Joseph’s ever since, including Christmas Midnight Mass, Easter Mass, a German Mass of St. Joseph the Worker, and seven other Masses during the year.

Over the years, the Liederkranz has built a statewide and international following. The chorus has been called upon to sing at many large religious and civic gatherings, among them the Bicentennial of the founding of San Antonio in 1931, the Texas Independence Day Field Mass at Washington-on-the-Brazos in 1938, and the Papal Mass celebrated in San Antonio in 1989. The choir has toured Germany three times, performing twice at the residence of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Today the ranks of the Liederkranz include about fifty active singers. They come from many ethnic and religious backgrounds, but many descendants of the original immigrant families still sing. Every year the chorus is invited to sing at a number of area churches and various non-religious festivals. The chorus presents Christmas and Spring annual concerts and participates regularly in the Saengerfests of the two German singing unions of Texas. The Liederkranz also sings at other German festivals, at Masses and services of various denominations, and for private occasions.

The society has remained true to its purpose, “to promote and perform male choral music of all kinds, with particular emphasis on German and Church music; to serve as a choir for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; and to increase awareness of German tradition and culture.”(from the Bylaws)

Men interested in singing with the Liederkranz are welcome to come to any rehearsal – Monday nights at St. Joseph’s Hall, 420 E Durango. Some musical background is helpful. For information contact any Liederkranz member or write PO Box 12442, San Antonio Texas 78212-0442.

Associate Members are also welcome; Associates get two tickets to Spring and Christmas Concerts, advance announcements of events and other information. Associate membership is $40 per year (in 2008).