Stopped cold in amazement! While casually searching on line for the archives of Männerchöre that were established at about the same time as our own, I came across the Indianapolis Männerchor Archives that are housed by the Indiana University-Purdue University Ruth Lilly Collections and Archives. Continue reading
If the Madison Männerchor is the second-oldest German Men’s Chorus in the US, which is the oldest?
Welcome to the Madison Männerchor blog!
Our Madison Männerchor has been singing since 1852. We’re starting our 158th season in Madison continuing the singing traditions of Germany.
For all immigrants, there exists the often-documented tug-of-war between assimilation and tradition. Many immigrants chose to assimilate into American society, believing that to be best way to share the American opportunity. Others, at the same time, felt strongly about continuing their traditions and culture. These traditions were applied to all aspects of life. Involvement in literature, song, social and political involvement, attire and philosophy of life enabled immigrants was pursued at the same time the best of American culture was adopted. We are still interested in how groups maintain tradition. I am pleased to offer an example from a recent National Public Radio interview of one of our members, Mel Grulke. The interview touches on this topic very well.
The Madison Männerchor continues the German choral singing tradition as well as the conviviality (gemütlichkeit) that Mel talks about. One of my favorite songs is Lebe, Liebe, Lache (Live, Love, Laugh). I think this exemplifies our philosophy, and is one of the major reasons for our achieving 158 years in Madison!