Choir Associations

	Concordia Choirs 429 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2M 3P6 Phone:(519) 745-5617 Fax:(519) 745-5141 Since the Concordia Club was founded in 1873 as the male choir, the Concordia "Mannerchor" celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1998 as well as the club. The mixed choir was not added until 1960 and in 1962 the children's choir was started. After World War II, the conductor Georg Christophek attracted many singers and knew how to instill the enthusiasm for singing in the new arrivals of German immigrants. He helped enhance the prestige and musical quality of the choir. Because of deteriorating health, he had to vacate his post as conductor in 1968. His able successor, Alfred Kunz, propelled the choirs into top performance calibre, not only at a local level but as far afield as Germany. Kunz continued the great work started by his predecessors and also made a name for himself as a composer. More than 500 of his compositions have been published. The choirs have shared many travel experiences in order to participate in song festivals, competitions and concerts. For the 100th anniversary of the German Choir Association in 1962, they traveled to Germany to perform in an International Song Festival in Essen. This tour and the camaraderie found with kindred spirits in the "old country" led to participation in many more international singing festivals. Rehearsal schedule: Monday nights at the Concordia Club. Mixed Choir - 7:15-8:00pm, Mixed/Male Choir Sectionals - 8:00-8:45pm, Male Choir - 8:45-10:00pm.
	Music Alive 1212 Christner Road, Baden, ON Canada N3A 3K6 Phone/Fax: 519-662-3291/662-2893 Email: kunzmusc@sentex.net The Music Alive concert choir is a group from the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas. Their director, Alfred Kunz, describes them as "ordinary people who just like to sing." Since September 1989, this 'ordinary' group of singers has been creating an extraordinary sound. Music Alive is a one-of-a-kind choral group that brings singers of all ages together in a rich and diverse tradition of choral singing. Their ages span seven decades and their backgrounds and levels of musical training vary widely. What is common among the members of this choir is the overwhelming commitment and enthusiasm that they bring to Music Alive. Many are members of other local choirs, but for most, Music Alive is a unique opportunity to explore their talents and perform for an audience. The choir's first performance in Kitchener's Centre In The Square drew a full house. More than 1,700 people were treated to a program that catered to a wide spectrum of musical tastes. The Music Alive choir continues to extend this gift of music to others. Their repertoire represents music that extends from Bach to the Beatles . . . and beyond! The accomplishments of this choir represent a true community effort & the bringing together of people from all walks of life to produce what Kunz refers to as 'magic'. The choir rehearses once a week where there is always room for one more! Rehearsals are currently held at Cameron Heights Collegiate on Charles Street East in Kitchener. Rehearsals are from 7:15 - 9:30pm on Tuesday evenings. For more information call (519) 662-3291/662-2893 or email kunzmusc@sentex.net. The Music Alive rehearsal season is from September to May. Voice checks are required.
	Nith Valley Singers 1212 Christner Road, Baden, ON Canada N3A 3K6 Phone/Fax: 519-662-3291/662-2893 Email: kunzmusc@sentex.net In 1985, Alfred Kunz put out a call to the communities of New Hamburg, Baden and surrounding areas for singers to form a new choral group. Envisioning a community choir rich in the choral traditions of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, he invited people from all walks of life who just like to sing. The Nith Valley Singers was born. Today they still have some of the original members in the group. They perform at least two community-based concerts per year and have done some travelling as well. The Nith Valley Singers enjoy a rich camaraderie among the members and the choir has developed its own distinctive sound. It is warm, lively and unpretentious, much like its members. The choir is open to new members, subject to a simple voice check from the conductor. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings and currently held at Wilmot Mennonite Church on Bleams Road in New Hamburg, Ontario. Adults from 7:15 - 9:30 pm. For more information call (519) 662-3291 or email at kunzmusc@sentex.net.