POPULAR Wagga choral group The Cantilena Singers are rehearsing in earnest for another trip to German sister city, Nordlingen, continuing a tradition that started back in 1998.
Nordlingen, a city of 6000 residents, is located within the Ries Crater region of southern Bavaria, and is almost midway along the world-renowned “Romantic Road”.
It’s unique and historic past is highlighted by both a high wall surrounding the inner city shops and dwellings, together with the imposing sight of the large Gothic church of St George and its impressive 500-year-old tower, affectionately known as the “Daniel”.
Under the guidance of first-year musical director Teresa English, a group of approximately 20 singers will perform during the upcoming Stadtmauerfest.
Also known as the Festival of the Wall, the occasion sees the city transformed back into mediaeval times for a three-day pageant that has to be seen to be believed.
In 2007, an incredible 70,000 people attended, partied, dressed in period costume, and experienced what has to be one of the most unbelievable three days they will ever enjoy.
The singers will perform at both an official welcoming function, and several informal singing locations during their five-day visit in mid-September.
Long-time choir members Netty Aylward, Chris Fox and Alan Bowyer are among those to be making their third visit to Nordlingen, while many of this year’s touring party also visited in 2007 when the festival was last staged.
The choir has been active in recent weeks, not only with an increased rehearsal workload but also entertaining the residents at both Riverina Gums in Wagga and those living at Coolamon’s Allawah Lodge.
The group also has a busy schedule of performances pencilled in as the run-up to the festive season increases.
They will sing at a Palliative Care service in October, two confirmation ceremonies in November and will also present their annual concert in the last week of November.
December will see the choir performing in pre-Christmas church and community-based activities.
For several of the male members, the visit to Germany is going to be a busy one.
Many of the Cantilena men also sing with The Wagga City Rugby Male Choir which is also on its way to Nordlingen on an official visit as the first stopping point in a singing tour of Great Britain.
The two groups will combine in Nordlingen to perform a couple of numbers together, so Wagga’s cultural flag is certainly going to be given a very good “wave”.
The Cantilena Singers is a community-based choir affiliated with the Riverina Conservatorium Of Music.
New members are always welcome and the group rehearses each Monday night during school terms at the South Campus of the Charles Sturt University.
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