Swiss Choir Thames Valley
Swiss immigrants to Southwestern Ontario formed a mixed choir about 1965 in Mitchell to preserve and promote their unique Swiss heritage in their new homeland, for enjoyment and future generations as well.
Today the choir, directed by Anne Loeffler, has 26 active members, most of whom are Swiss immigrants, who live on farms in the Counties of Huron and Perth. Their repertoire includes folk music as well as sacred music in all four Swiss languages and in English.
Two annual events, a Spring Concert and their Swiss Brunch, support the choir financially. Every three years they hold an Advent Concert in support of a charity. They are also active in their community, entertaining for special events in retirement and nursing homes etc.
A big event will take place next year at the Center in the Square in Kitchener. The Swiss Choir Thames Valley will host the 40th Sängerfest of the North American Swiss Singing Alliance. There will be a choral competition on Friday, June 29, and the highlight of the four day festival, a grand concert combining over 300 voices on Saturday, June 30. For more information go to www.saengerfest2012.ca.To get tickets: Center in the Square box office www.centre-square.com.