Sängerfest 2011 / Tanunda Liedertafel 150th Jubilee

South Australia was again the host state for the 15th Sängerfest on the occasion of Tanunda Liedertafel's 150th Jubilee celebrations on the long weekend of 1st - 3rd October, 2011. The location was South Australia's beautiful Barossa Valley, with 16 choirs in attendance from all round Australia.

The weekend commenced with a civic reception in the Tanunda Town Hall on Friday night, when the Mayor of the Barossa Council Mr Brian Hurn OAM hosted a function for the presidents of participating choirs and other distinguished guests.

On Saturday we assembled at Tanunda's magnificent Arts Centre for the performances of individual choirs (see below), compered by Tanunda's Phil Lamb. The concert went smoothly and finished on time despite the high number of choirs.

On Saturday night choirs and guests assembled in Tanunda's Show Hall for the traditional dinner and cabaret. With mild weather prevailing in SA during the preceding week nobody expected what eventuated. It was cold! There were no brass monkeys in sight as people shivered, danced vigorously and partook of abundant Barossa wine in order to keep warm. Luckily the meal that was served was warm and much appreciated.

On Sunday we had the Massed Choirs concert (see below), which was a huge success. Brian Gilbertson and his  friends were very entertaining, and put on a great show. As usual the massed choirs were in fine voice, and the audience left very satisfied.

The weekend ended on Monday with "brunch" at the Show Hall, where participants mingled with choir members from all over Australia to renew frienships and old acquaintances.