MMVC visit Eckernförde to celebrate their Choral Society’s 150th Anniversary.

Macclesfield Male Voice Choir were delighted to accept an invitation from their twinned town in northern Germany, Eckernförde, to take part in their Choral Society’s 150th Anniversary. They wanted a Grand Concert and asked the Macclesfield Men to join them for the celebrations.

A party of 70 left Macclesfield – 42 singers with their supporters. [Tour Party Photos] We flew from Birmingham to Hamburg then had a 1-hour coach journey to the town of Eckernförde. This is a beautiful seaside resort between Kiel and the Danish border on the Baltic coast of Germany.  Our hotel, the Hotel Seegarten, was right on the promenade by a long sandy beach. The town has about 20,000 inhabitants, a delightful old centre and a lovely harbour. This historic town was twinned with Macclesfield in 1953 and many reciprocal visits have taken place over the years. [Eckernförde]

After dinner on our first night the gents had a short rehearsal then a relaxing evening sampling the German beer. Next morning members of the Eckernförde Choir met us and we had a sightseeing walking tour round their delightful town. Following another rehearsal and dinner, the choir gave their first concert – at Borby Church just North of the town. The men were in excellent voice giving rousing renditions of favourites such as a Cole Porter Medley, Anthem from Chess, American Trilogy, Morte Criste and Amen. They were greeted by a standing ovation at the end of the evening and the audience was amazed by the wonderful sound the choir made. On returning to the hotel, the men had obviously not sung enough as they sang their hearts out and rediscovered the local beer!  [Tuesday Photographs]

The following morning everyone was on their best behaviour as we went to the Rathaus (Town Hall) for a formal audience with the Burgermeister (Mayor) of Eckernförde.  He welcomed us with wine and ‘nibbles’ and wished us a good stay in Germany. The choir responded with 3 songs – one of which was ‘Wooden Heart’ sung partly in German. Everyone was then invited to sign the great Town Book commemorating the occasion. An enjoyable day was made complete with a party in the evening when the members of the Eckernforde Choir supplied a sumptuous buffet and everyone was able to make great friends. [Wednesday Photographs].

Much excitement ensued the following morning (Thursday) when the Macclesfield Male Voice Choir occupied a full page of the local daily German newspaper, with extensive write-ups on both the concert at Borby Church and the official welcome at the Rathaus, with two large photo’s alongside the articles and a photo on the front page of the newspaper of the choir’s Chairman Trevor Davies and the Mayor signing the book.  [ Newspaper Articles, in English of course!) 

Following breakfast the party left for a day in Denmark. We spent part of the time at the lovely town and harbour in Flensburg then travelled to Kollund where our host Anne Marie Henriksen met us. She took us to a 12th century church in Bov where tea and refreshments were served then on to the church in Kollund where the evening concert was to be held. The choir again performed brilliantly and another delighted audience gave them a standing ovation. The choir performed “What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor” which was enthusiastically received by an excited audience (listen to us on YouTube).  Our Musical Director, Mr David Court, and our accompanist Miss Tetiana Goncharuk both received small tokens of appreciation from Ms Henriksen. Needless to say there was more singing and drinking when the men returned to the hotel!  Not to be outdone the ‘WAGS’ surprised everyone with their own unique version of Amen. [Thursday Photographs]

Friday was a very different day and one that will stay in everyone’s memory for a long time. We had a trip to the German Marine Memorial at Laboe near Kiel. We were met and shown round by the Director who spoke excellent English. It really is a remarkable place – a place of commemoration for sailors of all nations who have been lost at sea. There is a tower in the shape of a flame that rises to 85 meters and to this day, naval as well as merchant vessels dip their flags on passing the Memorial in honour of all who died at sea. There was an excellent exhibition and information centre from where steps lead to an underground Hall of Commemoration. In virtual darkness where light from a blue stained-glass window above gave the feeling of being under the sea. Here the eternal flame burns, flags of many nations hang from the walls and you will always find flowers and wreaths laid by German and foreign delegations or private groups and individuals. The choir was honoured to be able to sing by the eternal flame; they performed “Let there be Peace on Earth” which was so poignant and emotional – it is something that will be remembered by everyone for the rest of their lives. [Memorial Photographs]

Saturday was the day of the great celebrations for the Eckernförde Choir’s 150th anniversary. It started with the formal proceeding, which were followed by a champagne reception. Our accompanist, Tetiana Goncharuk entertained the delegates with two Chopin waltzes.  In the evening was the Grand Concert in their large Concert Hall. In addition to ourselves and the Eckernförde Chorgemeinschaft, two other German choirs took part, the Rendsburger Mannerchor and the Butzower Liederkranz but, again, Macclesfield Male Voice Choir were the stars. The concert ended with everyone singing Amazing Grace followed by a post-Gala reception with more food and some impromptu singing to celebrate a great evening. [Gala Concert Photographs]

Sunday was our final day in Eckernförde and, by now, the sense of camaraderie among the choristers and between the two choirs was something special.  Fittingly, the choir had been invited to sing at the 13th century gothic Church of St Nicolai at the morning service and this was a lovely celebration of our time there. The Church shook as the choir sang Cwm Rhondda, Peace of Earth and Morte Criste and the service finished with joyous applause. [St.Nicolai Photographs]

The time then came for us to bid farewell to our hosts with the fervent hope that we will get the chance to meet up with them again in the future in Macclesfield. [Our Host Choir Photographs]

The whole week for the choir was most memorable and a wonderful musical experience.  The choir were overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendship displayed by everyone we came in contact with, especially members of the Eckernförde Chorgemeinschaft.  I am sure many are making plans to return to this idyllic place on the shore of the Baltic. [Pictorial of our Fond Memories]

The above choir photographs can all be accessed from [Choir Photographs]