The Orpheus – Liedertafel Link
The BOMVC recieved an invitation to join the “Liedertafel Hameln von 1837” choir, to celebrate with them their 170th Choir Anniversary during October 2007.
Our visits to Germany have all brought their measure of fun and, of course, a few anxious moments, particularly for folk making their first trip but very soon everyone is enjoying the “Hamelin welcome” which always awaits us.
The Borough of Torbay entered into a twinning agreement with Hamelin, Germany, on 7th January 1973. The aim, nurtured between the two Boroughs, was to foster and promote as many exchanges as possible between a complete range of interests under the umbrella of friendship. Very many groups have taken advantage of these friendship links, eg, nurses, churches, schools and colleges, sports, fishing clubs and life-saving groups – the list is much longer.
In 1974 the Orpheus recieved a communication from the “Liedertafel Hameln von 1837” male choir from Hamelin, asking if the BOMVC would be prepared to meet them, and share a concert with their choir. The Orpheus gave full support to the idea and our link with Hamelin began.
The Borough made the arrangements for the German choir’s first visit, and after our combined choir programme in the Brixham theatre, we were left with an invitation to visit Hamelin in 1975. From 1975 our exchanges became well-organised and both choirs enjoyed many, many happy times together, both here and over in Germany.
For this, the 30th year of our link with the Liedertafel, I thought I would list for your interest, all the dates the two choirs have met.
| 1. | First visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | May 1974 |
| 2. | First Visit to Hamelin by the BOMVC | September 1975 |
| 3. | Second visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | October 1977 |
| 4. | Second Visit to Hamelin by the BOMVC | May 1980 |
| 5. | Third visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | October 1983 |
| 6. | Special Visit of BOMVC party to Hamelin for the Hameln 700 year civic celebrations | June 1984 |
| 7. | Third Visit to Hamelin by the BOMVC (150 year celebration of Liedertafel founding) |
October 1987 |
| 8. | Fourth visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | October 1990 |
| 9. | Fourth Visit to Hamelin by the BOMVC | October 1992 |
| 10. | Fifth visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | May 1996 |
| 11. | “Social Visit” to Hamelin by group from BOMVC | May 2000 |
| 12. | Sixth visit to Brixham by the Liedertafel Hameln | October 2004 |
| 13. | Liedertafel 170 Year Celebration | 2007 |