20 September 2008

Saengerfest Returns to OTR via Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall Saengerfest Returns to OTR Sunday, October 12th, 2008
 
Revival of Traditional Cincinnati Festival Highlights :
A new generation of Greater Cincinnatians will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional German-American Saengerfest when Memorial Hall celebrates its centennial on October 12.

German immigrants originally introduced the Saengerfest, a traditional German choral and music festival, to Cincinnati in the mid-19th century. The Saengerfest continued to be a regular part of Cincinnati cultural life for more than 100 years, and eventually gave rise to popular musical events such as the Cincinnati May Festival. Over-the-Rhine in general and Memorial Hall in particular served as centers of the Saengerfest until the hall fell on hard times after World War II. The revived Saengerfest will serve as the climax of day-long events to mark the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Hall's dedication this October.

Activities begin at 11:00 a.m. and include:

* Musical presentations in the Washington Park Gazebo

* Civil War Re-enactors in Washington Park

* Informational presentations in the Memorial Hall Theater and lobby

* Saengerfest and Rededication presented by Queen City Concert Band at 4:00 p.m.

* 1940s-era USO Dance presented by Green Hills American Legion Band 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All activities are free and open to the public except a $10 “cover charge” for the USO-style dance. Souvenir programs also will be available for $5.

Memorial Hall is Hamilton County’s monument to the service and sacrifice of its war veterans. The hall, at 1225 Elm Street just south of Music Hall, is a building of national significance for its architecture and its cultural heritage. Designed by Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the military statues below the pediment were created by Clement Barnhorn. The spectacular mural in the auditorium was executed by Francis Pedretti.

2 comments:

Matt said...

incredible - so good to see this. thanks for the update.

OTRFAN said...

thanks for the post - this will be a nice event bringing positive energy to this beautiful building and area. Take a few minutes to walk through the park, listen to the music at the gazebo, interact with the period costumed actors and visit the important Memorial Hall. balletTech and Allen Temple AME choir will also be performing on the Memorial Hall stage through the day. wouldn't it be great if the evening dance becomes a regular event? thx Mike