20 March 13-19, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents A Legacy of Song Lost in modernization? Not this 147-year-old Dallas German singing society. BY DIEGO HERNANDEZ A t a time when cultural tradi- tions often fade amid mod- ernization, the Dallas Frohsinn Singing Society re- mains a steadfast presence in North Texas. Founded in 1877 by German immigrants seeking a sense of community, the group has spent nearly 150 years preserving the choral traditions of its founders. Despite demographic shifts and declining public awareness of German singing societies, Frohsinn continues to perform, maintaining a legacy that has endured through wars, social changes and evolving musical landscapes. While similar groups have disappeared over time, Frohsinn has adapted, relying on a dedicated membership and deep cultural roots to sustain its presence. Today, it remains one of the last of its kind in Texas, a link to a once-thriving network of German-American singing societies that helped shape the region’s cultural identity. “We need people to know we exist,” says music director William Kanute. “It’s not just about singing in German — it’s about keeping this tradition alive and passing it on.” The Dallas Frohsinn was established dur- ing a period of significant German immigra- tion to Texas in the late 19th century. Singing societies, or “Gesangvereine,” provided a so- cial and cultural outlet for these immigrants, helping them maintain connections to their heritage while integrating into their new envi- ronment. A notice published in the Texas Volksblatt invited singers to gather at the Turnverein, a German social club, marking the beginning of the organization. The group quickly became a notable presence in Dallas, performing at cul- tural festivals, concerts and German celebra- tions. It later joined the Deutsch-Texanischer Sängerbund, participating in Texas-wide Sängerfests, which showcased choral per- formances from various German singing so- cieties across the state. These festivals, which date back to the mid-19th century, emphasized the role of mu- sic in fostering cultural identity and commu- nity. During the early 20th century, the Frohsinn, like many German organizations, faced challenges during World War I and World War II. Anti-German sentiment dur- ing these periods led to a decline in participa- tion and public performances. But the organization remained active, albeit with a reduced membership. In 1951, the relocation of Chance Vought Aircraft from Connecticut to Dallas brought an influx of German- Amer- ican employees, leading to a revival of the choir. This resurgence enabled the Frohsinn to host the Sängerfest in 1956 and embark on international singing tours in Germany dur- ing the 1960s and 1980s. Currently, the Dallas Frohsinn operates as a volunteer-based choir with 18 active members, most of whom are between the ages of 50 and 90. Unlike some other German-American singing societies that own dedicated venues, the Frohsinn rehearses at St. Paul’s Church lo- cated at 6464 E. Lovers Lane. While this has allowed the group to con- tinue meeting, the absence of a clubhouse or social hall has presented challenges in attract- ing new members. “There’s a mountain of obstacles in Dallas,” Kanute says. “We don’t have a clubhouse. We don’t run Oktoberfest. The city took over many German events that clubs usually orga- nize elsewhere.” Kanute, who has led the choir since 2013, has deep ties to German choral music. Before moving to Dallas, he directed German choirs in Connecticut and was involved with the Connecticut Sängerbund. With a background in sacred music and German literature, he has worked to keep the Frohsinn’s traditions alive while also seeking ways to modernize its outreach. Despite many challenges, the Frohsinn continues to foster an environment that wel- comes all who are interested in German choral music. Rehearsals include a social component before practice, and members are not required to speak German fluently, as pronunciation is taught alongside musical instruction. In a document shared from the Dallas Frohsinn Singing Society, it claims that the group holds historical significance due to its connection to the founding of the Dallas Sym- phony Orchestra. Hans Kreissig, a former Frohsinn director, played a key role in establishing the orchestra in the late 19th century. Initially formed as an ensemble to accompany the choir, the sym- phony later developed into a major musical in- stitution in Dallas. Beyond choral singing, the Frohsinn has been associated with other German musical traditions. The Frohsinn Kapelle, an instru- mental ensemble formed in the 1950s, contin- ues to perform at community events. Additionally, some members play the alphorn, a traditional Swiss instrument, which is often featured in the group’s Advent Gottesdienst service. The Frohsinn has also maintained a traditional German folk dance group, the Schuhplattlers, further enriching its cultural contributions. Like many heritage organizations, the Dal- las Frohsinn faces the challenge of sustaining membership and engaging new audiences. The group’s efforts to attract younger singers include leveraging social media and modern outreach strategies. However, shifting cultural interests and the availability of alternative mu- sical activities have made recruitment difficult. “Younger people just don’t see singing in a German choir as something they’d do for fun,” Kanute says. “But if they came, they’d find out it’s not just serious rehearsal — it’s a great community.” Despite these challenges, the choir contin- ues to perform, carrying forward a tradition that has endured through historical upheavals and societal changes. For its members, partici- pation in the Frohsinn is not solely about pre- serving the past, ut about fostering community and appreciation for choral music. As the final notes of a rehearsal echo through the hall, the Frohsinn remains com- mitted to its mission. While the future may present uncertainties, the choir’s dedication ensures that its songs will continue to be heard for years to come. “I mean, the most I want to do is just to get out the word that it’s a fun group, it’s not all work and serious,” Kanute says. “We have a good time beforehand. We rehearse hard, but it’s not the kind of thing where you have to be a professional singer or a native German speaker.” As May approaches, the Dallas Frohsinn is in full preparation mode for the upcoming Texas Sängerfest. Held in San Antonio this year, the festival is a major event for the group, offering a rare opportunity to perform along- side other singing societies and showcase their dedication to German choral music. Before heading to San Antonio, the Froh- sinn plans to hold a pre-festival concert at St. Paul’s, offering the local German commu- nity a preview of their performance. It’s a chance to fine-tune their pieces in front of an audience while also increasing visibility for the choir, which continues to seek new members. “Sängerfest is a highlight of our year,” Kanute says. “It reminds us why we do this — not just to sing, but to keep this tradition alive.” Courtesy of the Dallas Frohsinn Singing Society | B-SIDES | t Music Wir lieben the choral sounds of the still- standing Dallas Frohsinn Singing Society.
