Newspapers / The New Bern Mirror … / March 18, 1966, edition 1 / Page 1
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The history and progress of the Schaumburger Fairytale Singers could easily be called a modem fairytale. In February 1950, Edith Moller,ttieConduc-' tor, founded the Choir in Obern- klrchen near Hannover. From these small beginnings this Choir has grown to Its pres ent importance and, in this pro cess, has received recognition as one of the best choral en sembles In the world. Miss Moller founded the Choir with only the idea of giv ing small local concerts. How ever, she did hope that even tually she might be able to turn over whatever profits they made to a fund for creating a chil dren’s home for orphans. In 1956, the children’s home became a reality in a city called Buckeburg near Obemklrchen, A villa had been purchased for the orphans which was also used by the Choir as their headquar ters. In July 1953, the Obern- kitchen were participants in the ’’International Musical Eis teddfod” in Wales, and won first prize in competition with 25 in ternational children’s choirs. It was at this time that the Choir acquired its second name, ’’The Obemklrchen Children’s Choir”, since the first name, ’’The Schaumburger Merchen- sanger”, was even more diffi cult for foreigners to pro nounce and translate. It was here in Wales that the Choir sang for the first time in public ’’The Happy Wander er” which was later to be re corded by the BBC and become a hit throughout the world. This song acted as a front runner for the Choir and prompted the many Invitations they received to travel through out the world. The actual travel ing started in April 1954 for these fairytale singers, so call ed because they performed tales in the form ot ’’singspiel”. Aside from extended tours in Germany and elsewhere in £*i- rope, it is interesting to note that when the choir played the Berlin Sprots Palace they were sold out ten times over and six times over at the London Royal Festival Hall. In the Fall of 1954, the group visited the United States and Canada for the first time. Their fame preceded them, and after two months they left behind them a trail of happiness, good will and echos of a success rarely achieved. Their first appearance at Town Hall in New York was a sensation, and four other con certs had to be arranged im mediately .to Standing-Room- Only audiences. An additional 15 concerts were given atTown Hall, as well as a concert in the new Philharmonic Hall in Lincoln Center. These were followed by many television appearances, which were, in turn climaxed by an ap pearance on the Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectacular. Through these performances, many Americans became friends of the Obemklrchen Children’s Choir. One of these tours led these ’’fairytale singers” to the West Coast to the fairytale world of Disneyland near Los Angeles. Here the Choir was personally greeted by Walt Disney, and later films and programs were prepared and shown on hispop- (Continued on Page 3) New Bern Bublic Library The NEW BERN ^ sfcA wimv IN 'T OP 5i Per tv * ^ VOLUME 8 NEW BERN, N. C., FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1966 ANGELS IN PIGTAILS—Pictured in their homeland are members of the Obemkirchen Children's Choir (see Looking Glass) who will appear in New Bern this year for Craven County Community Concerts. T^e local organization, conaucting its annual drive this week, has four top attractions booked for the ap proaching season, but you’ll miss out if you fail to join with other music lovers. Headquarters is on Belk>s second floor, through Saturday. The New York Herald the Children’s Choir, says, “Nobody could fail to be comnletelv enchanted by both the sight and sound of this delightful chorus.’’ The New York Times adds, “The choir is a rare blend of inno cence and musical sophistication. Its singing is first- rate by any standard. Altogether the concert showed Sed*conductor’’'^^**^®‘* youngsters and a
The New Bern Mirror (New Bern, N.C.)
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March 18, 1966, edition 1
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