The holiday season is upon us and we can be thankful for the return of Saengerfest with fourteen participating choirs performing at five historical venues. Sängerfest is German for “Singing Festival”. In 1838 the first German singing society in the United States was formed in Cincinnati and the first Sängerbund (singing group) performed at Sängerfest Hall which was also known as Cincinnati Exposition Hall. The Venetian Gothic style structure was built by architects Hannaford, Samuel & Sons and in 1876 it was converted to a music hall.
It is believed that this festival (some being competitions) started in Hambach, Bavaria around 1830. The festivals expanded all over Europe and there were many male-only choirs, some smaller having hundreds of participants and some larger having thousands of participants. Some were even know to be part of political demonstrations.
The popularity of Saengerfest in Cincinnati grew and by 1870 it consisted of approximately two thousand singers and 60 choirs and gained national attention as it brought thousands to the Over-the-Rhine area. The introduction of Maifest in 1873 infringed on the support and many participants broke away from the singing festival which eventually became the demise of Saengerfest with the last festival being held in 1952.
In 2012 the World Choir Games came to Cincinnati making it the first U.S. city to host the “The Olympics of Choral Music” and brought thousands of spectators and thousands of vocalists making up 400 choirs to Cincinnati for two weeks. The success of this event also inspired American Legacy Tours to bring back Sängerfest and make it an annual event.
Back for its second year, this event can be enjoyed by the entire family as you stroll through historic Over the Rhine, share the traditions and history of this rich culture and celebrate the Spirit of Christmas. Brad Hill of American Legacy Tours shares, “There is nothing quite like Christmas Saengerfest, in addition to hearing amazing Christmas music, guests can take in the beauty of the historic churches in Over-the-Rhine.” These participating churches and businesses with both local and national significance deserve recognition due to their contributions for rebuilding and assisting the community.
Memorial Hall
Memorial hall sits at 1225 Elm Street and was built in 1908. The building, designed by Samuel Hannaford has been a meeting place for veterans and the citizens of Cincinnati. This site has hosted many political debates and heard many speeches by famous politicians including Teddy Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryant.
Christian Moerlein Brewery
Returning to Cincinnati in 2012 the Christian Moerlein Brewery now resides in the Husman Potato Chip factory at 1621 Moore Street as part of the craft beer movement. The Select Lager has the honor of being the first beer to certifiably pass the strict Reinheitsgebot (the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516.)
St. Francis Seraph
This Roman Catholic Church at 14 East Liberty Street was established by the Franciscan Friars in 1859. Providing assistance to many in need, St. Francis is an important part of the Over the Rhine Community with several programs including the Day Laborer Bag Lunch program and a soup kitchen for those in need.
First Lutheran
First Lutheran Church was built at 1208 Race Street in 1894 although the congregation began in 1842. This mission-oriented church has a community lunch program, Food Pantry and their Basic Reading program and GED classes have empowered numerous individuals.
Nast Trinity
Named after Reverend William Nast this United Methodist Church is located at 1310 Race Street. Reverend Nast successfully organized the first German Methodist Episcopal Church known as Nast Memorial. In 1958 it merged with Trinity Church becoming Nast Trinity helping adults and children with their mentoring program and by providing weekly community meals.
The Dates, The Times and The Choirs
Friday, December 6th
6 & 7 Sound Effect @ Nast Trinity
SCPA Primary Select Choir @ First Lutheran
MUSE Women’s Choir @ St. Francis Seraph
Cincinnati Boychoir @ St. Francis Seraph
7 Young Professionals’ Choral Collective (yp/CC) @ Moerlein Brewery
8 & 9 Awaken the City Gospel Ban@ Nast Trinity
Kopling Saengerchor @ First Lutheran
Cincinnati Men’s Chorus@ St. Francis Seraph
Voices of Indiana Children’s Choir @ Memorial Hall
Young Professionals’ Choral Collective (yp/CC) @ Moerlein Brewery
Saturday, December 7th
5 & 6 Hyde Park United Methodist Church Choir @ Nast Trinity
Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Children & Youth @ First Lutheran
Cincinnati Sound Chorus @ St. Francis Seraph
Cincinnati Boychoir @ Memorial Hall
5 & 7 Young Professionals Choral Collective (yp/CC) @ Moerlein Brewery
7 & 8 Awaken the City Gospel Band @ Nast Trinity
Southern Gateway @ St. Francis Seraph
May Festival Youth Chorus @ Memorial Hall
Young Professionals Choral Collective (yp/CC) @ Moerlein Brewery
This November be thankful for the return of Saengerfest and this December enjoy the Spirit of Christmas and start a new holiday tradition.
December 6th and 7th
6P – 11P
Tickets $20 per day
Recommended parking at Washington Park