At this year’s national Sängerfest in Peoria, IL, our very own Loesje Chandler was awarded the Menhart-Pescenye Award of Merit by the North American Singers Association (Nord-Amerikanischer Sängerbund).

This prestigious, once-in-a-lifetime award, was first given out in 2016.  Since then it has been presented anually to an esteemed member of the NASB.  The Award can be presented to singers or directors of the NASB.  The recipients of the Award are recognized for having made a substantial contribution to the NASB, advancement of German-American cultural singing, and preservation of German-American traditions.

Per the guidelines, “The purpose of the award is to recognize that individual deemed to have made noteworthy contributions to the field [of] choral music and leadership.  Such contributions may include the expression of new ideas, the creation of new choral groups, the development of better techniques, or substantial efforts, which have led to further improvements in the NASB, or outstanding service to the profession of music, as evidenced by successful efforts in the educational, social, or administrative processes affecting the NASB.”

We are so very proud of Loesje and are thrilled that she has been recognized in this way.  Her desire to try new things, push people to be their best, and keep the heart and spirit of German-American heritage alive and well inspires all those who are lucky enough to know her.  She is an amazing musician, instructor, director, and friend.  Well done, and well deserved, Loesje!

Happy 2019 everyone!!  We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season.  We’ve enjoyed our break, taking time to rest our voices and spend time with family and friends.  Now we’re gearing up for the start of another wonderful year of events!

You can get all of the details in our newsletter (link below) but I wanted to highlight a couple of things first…

1. January 23rd is our first rehearsal for the year.  The women practice at 7:15, the men practice at 8:15.  We are in need of some new singers for both groups so come check us out!  Even if you’d just like to hear us practice you are welcome.
2. It’s membership time!  Please consider becoming a member of the club.  We’ve been going strong for 145+ years and we’re not ready to stop!  There are all kinds of opportunities for you and your family and we’d love to have you join us.  You don’t have to be a singer to be a member!  Follow the membership link below for more information.

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us via our contact form.  Happy New Year!

Indianapolis Liederkranz – January 2019 Newsletter

2019 Membership Application

We are proud to share this exciting news… on October 6, 2018 the Consulate General will host the campaign kick-off in Indianapolis for The Year of German-American Friendship!

The Year of German-American Friendship is a year-long public diplomacy campaign funded by the German Federal Foreign Ministry and supported by the Goethe-Insitut and the BDI, or the Federation of German Industries. Beginning October 3, 2018, and lasting through the end of 2019, the Year of German-American Friendship will feature events and exhibitions across the United States in the fields of politics, culture, education, science, business, and industry. The campaign seeks to highlight the strong ties between the U.S. and Germany and the unique importance of continued transatlantic cooperation.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2018, the German Consulate General Chicago will host The Kick-off of the Year of German American Friendship in the Midwest in Indianapolis. The event coincides with five similar kick-off events in other major cities. The schedule for the Midwest kick-off includes public programming such as lectures and panels, musical performances, and a cultural fair in the Athenaeum Foundation Indianapolis on October 6 followed by a car show and parade beginning in Monument Circle in Indianapolis on October 7.

The Indianapolis Liederkranz choirs will be performing as part of this celebration!  We will be singing during the non-denominational church service being held at 11 a.m at the Historic Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ located at 603 N. New Jersey Street in downtown Indianapolis.

Following the church service there will be a parade from Monument Circle to the Athenaeum (Das Deutsche Haus) featuring local German clubs, bands, classic German cars, and other participants.  Planned start time for this event is 1 p.m.

We hope to see you at the events!  Invite your friends and family!!

A detailed program as well as registration links for the parade and car show can be found on the event website.