Published by the American Union of Swedish Singers www.auss.org In its 122nd year of Performing Svenska Sånger in America Volume CXXII April, 2014 No. 4 Carl Michael Bellman in Atlanta At a Nordic Lodge meeting on March 23rd, the Vasa Drängar presented a pro- gram about Carl Michael Bellman, in- cluding a talk by Professor Jay Lutz. Bellman, who lived between 1740 and 1795 was one of Sweden’s most well- known and beloved song-writers. King Gustaf III was an avid supporter and pa- tron. As a thank-you, Bellman wrote several songs in honor of the king, such as Gustafs skål. The murder of the king in 1792 was a terrible blow for Bellman. He had received not only encouragement from Gustaf III but also financial sup- port. The following years were a degrad- ing catastrophe and, in 1794, Bellman Vasa Drängar in action, accompanied by Bo Hörnfeldt on the guitar. was arrested for his debts and incarcer- ated. This broke his health, and he died performed to the troubadour’s own guitar songs they learned. Others of Bellman’s in penury shortly after his birthday in accompaniment. Indeed, there were other most well-known songs are, to just February 1795. troubadours in the 18th century, but none mention a few: Fjäriln vingad syns på Bellman performed his songs to his of them went down in history. It actually Haga, Nå skruva fiolen, Vila vid denna own accompaniment on the cittern, a flat- took another century before Swedish källa and Solen glimmar blank och trind. bottomed lute-like stringed instrument, troubadours (“vissångare”) of importance Many of Bellman’s songs were translated dating from the Renaissance. The music appeared, such as Birger Sjöberg, born in into English in the mid-20th century by he used for his poems was partially his 1885, Evert Taube, born in 1890, and the British author, translator, and own compositions and partially borrowed Ruben Nilson, born in 1893. broadcaster, Paul Britten Austin, who from different sources, such as French More than 200 years after Bellman’s was married to a sister of Sweden’s music or from Swedish composers. death, his songs are still alive. There is famous film director, Ingmar Bergman. There is no doubt that Bellman was the hardly any Swede who does not know at They lived in Stockholm where he origin of the great and unique Swedish least a couple of his songs. Even Swed- worked for Radio Sweden. tradition of singing “visor” – the Swedish ish kids know of Bellman since his Gub- Professor Jay Lutz delivered a very version of ballads that are very often ben Noak is possibly one of the very first interesting lecture on Bellman and intro- duced a number of Bellman songs, per- formed by a beautifully sounding Vasa Drängar. On their repertoire were Käraste bröder, systrar och vänner, Gubben Noak, Joakim uti Babylon, Vila vid denna källa, Liksom en herdinna, Ren calad, and, in Austin’s translation, Fjäriln vingad syns på Haga. We also heard Bellman’s lullaby Lilla Charles (sov sött i frid) performed by the guitar trio of Sten Ekberg, Hans Hörnfeldt and Hans’ father, Bo Hörnfeldt, visiting from The guitar ensemble of (left to right) Bo Hörnfeldt, Hans Hörnfeldt and Sten Ekberg. Östersund, Sweden. Photos: Inga-Lill Hörnfeldt ~ Göran Rygert, Vasa Drängar April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 2 of 6 President’s Message

Alana Mapes, AUSS President, [email protected]

Why Attend a Convention??? After attending an AUSS Convention, you will be hooked. OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE If at all possible, you will never miss another. That’s why it’s AMERICAN UNION OF SWEDISH SINGERS difficult to understand why all singers do not go. I was once (Organized November 24, 1892) one of those singers who did not attend conventions, unless A Musical Journal in English and Swedish they were on the West Coast. "To teach, cultivate and promote Chorus singing, principally Swedish." What can we tell a singer who thinks: “I don’t know many ELLEN SVENGALIS, Editor Tel: (860) 535-0362 singers, why should I go to a convention?” 204 Wyassup Road Fax: (860) 535-0378 Here is the scoop. When you arrive at registration it will be No. Stonington, CT 06359 E-mail: [email protected] like a family reunion. People who have not seen each other CHARLES UPCRAFT JAMES R. MAURICE for four years will be reconnecting. Will you feel left out? Business Manager Subscriptions 4525 Parkside Lane 445 E. North Water St. E2203 NO! There will be people welcoming new singers to their Edina MN 55436 Chicago, IL 60611-5542 first convention and introducing you to others. Singers from Phone: (952) 928-8173 Tel: (312) 670-9570 the host choruses will be extremely E-Mail: [email protected] Winter (Jan-Apr) tel: (727) 729-6269 E-mail (all yr.): [email protected] helpful in making you comfortable. OFFICERS OF AUSS 2012-2016 Phone: (503) 866-9692 You will, of course, find others from President: Alana Mapes E-mail: [email protected] your chorus. The first evening, there 25500 NW Svea Dr. Hillsboro, OR 97124 DIVISION PRESIDENTS (2010-2014) will be some sort of entertainment and Phone: (503) 647-5486 Eastern: Ellen Svengalis refreshments, with social time follow- E-mail: [email protected] 204 Wyassup Rd. ing. You will get instructions about No. Stonington, CT 06359 Vice President: Christine Johnson Phone: (860) 535-0362 where and when to practice the next 700 S. Main Street Ste 119-133 E-mail: [email protected] day. By the end of the first day you Lapeer, MI 48446-3077 Phone: (313) 506-5458 Central: David Winter will have made many new friends and E-mail: [email protected] 3550 N. Lake Shore #1004 feel like part of the group. Chicago, IL 60657 Secretary: Kelly Otto Phone: (773) 549-1678 After a quick breakfast, practice will P.O. Box 20835 E-mail: [email protected] begin. This will be led by the outstanding Division or Na- Portland, OR 97294 Phone: (503) 318-7929 Western: Karen Jones tional Directors. Think about singing by yourself in the car. E-mail: [email protected] 2521 S. W. Bertha Boulevard How much better does it sound if you are part of a quartet? Portland, OR 97201 Financial Secretary: James R. Maurice Phone: (503) 244-1469 Then how much better is singing in a choir of 20 to 40 sing- 445 E. North Water St. E2203 E-mail: [email protected] ers. Now, imagine a HUGE choir of 100 to 300 singers. The Chicago, IL 60611-5542 Phone: (312) 670-9570 OTHER OFFICES sound is spectacular! Even if you don’t feel confident with Winter (Jan-Apr): 670 Island Way #904 Website Coordinator: your part, or the language, there is always another singer near Clearwater, FL 33767 Ellen Svengalis who is happy to help. You leave practice for a lunch break FL phone: (727) 729-6269 204 Wyassup Rd. E-mail (all yr.): [email protected] No. Stonington, CT 06359 with more new friends, eager to continue later. Phone: (860) 535-0362 Individual chorus night is a time to hear other groups from Treasurer: Charles Upcraft E-mail: [email protected] 4525 Parkside Lane around the country, and a time for your chorus to share their Edina MN 55436 Chorus Recruitment Chairman: talents as well. As always, more social time and casual sing- Phone: (952) 928-8173 Carl-Erik Westberg E-Mail: [email protected] P. O. Box 178 ing follow. Hospitality rooms are a great place to get to know Londonderry, VT 05148 others. They offer food and drink, and casual, spontaneous Librarian: Robert Voedisch Phone: (802) 824-6578 722 N. Haddow St. Fax: (802) 824-3358 singing. New conventioneers are valued, important, and wel- Arlington, IL 60004 E-mail: [email protected] comed everywhere. Phone: (842)255-7253 E-mail: [email protected] Membership Directory Coordinator: Grand Concerts and banquets and recognition awards need Kelly Otto little explaining, and you will definitely feel like part of Director-in-Chief: Sherry Dreyfuss P.O. Box 20835 11665 Gleneagles Lane Portland, OR 97294 AUSS family by then. Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: (503) 318-7929 So, back to my original question, “Why should I attend a Phone: (815) 885-1424 E-mail: [email protected] convention?” WHY NOT? If you have a young family, make Fax: 815-885-2250 E-mail: [email protected] HONORARY PRESIDENTS, AUSS it a family vacation. There are a lot of things to do in conven- Donald Lamont Asst. Director-in-chief: Ken Olsson Carl-Erik Westberg Continued on page 4 P.O. Box 445 Jody Jones Jamaica, VT 05343 Joseph P. O’Leary Phone: 802-874-4366 MUSIKTIDNING SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: E-mail: [email protected] HON. DIRECTORS-IN-CHIEF Robert Read Please send material to the Musiktidning Editor. If possible, please Asst. Director-in-chief: Vance Sele Arthur W. Elander send both stories and photos via E-mail ([email protected]) 314 NW Treglown Ct. Ernest Gunn Hillsboro OR 97124 Jeffrey DeLay Material for the May issue is due May 8. April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 3 of 6 Seattle Swedish Choruses News In February, the Seattle choruses sang visits so much that we have a difficult is fun for the audience and singers alike. for the St Joseph Home, a retirement time leaving after the performance. Shady Grove (with “The Cuckoo”) is a community for nuns. They enjoy our Cream puffs, coffee and ice cream cones traditional American folksong, arranged await us at the end of our performance by Nancy Boone Allsbrook and Glenda and there ensues lively conversation with Goodin. Jim Erickson, former director the nuns, learning of their incredible of SVEA and current tenor with the lives. This is our eighth year visiting the group, accompanies the women with the Home. Our performances are carried flute. At times, the flute echoes the electronically to the rooms of those who sound of the cuckoo. It is a complex can not make it down to the chapel. piece but when it comes together it is In March, we sang at The Hearthstone, exciting! a Lutheran Retirement Community near We are now preparing for our Spring beautiful Green Lake. Our Choruses Heritage Program hosted by us at the know many of the residents who live at Seattle Swedish Club. In May, we will The Hearthstone so again it was an eve- gather with eight or more ethnic choirs in ning of singing, visiting, and enjoying a grand celebration of song. We are refreshments. looking forward to this. We sing several beautiful choral ar- ~ Mary Hillman, Swedish Women’s Cho- Jim Erickson on flute and Sonja Reetz on rangements, but one piece, in particular, rus piano accompany “Shady Grove.” Elna Person Ryan, Alto Extraordinaire

One of the first members of the Seattle started as one of the original chorus Susan, Colleen, and Michael. Bob Swedish Women’s Chorus, Elna Ryan, members and they haven’t thrown me worked for King County Department of still sings with us. She was just a high out yet!” Transportation and Elna enjoyed nursing school student when Elna and her mother Elna was born Elna Person in Seattle in home work while their children were joined the Chorus. Sixty three years 1933. After emigrating from Skåne, her growing up. She remembers fondly the later, her voice is as strong as ever! father’s parents met in Tacoma, married many camping trips she took with her According to Elna, Walter Johnson, the and had ten children. Her father was a family, something she would still like to famous Scandinavian Studies professor Professor of English at the University of do. at the University of Washington and a Washington and sang with SVEA. As In addition to singing, Elna has danced friend of Elna’s father, thought it was Elna tells it, her father started as a stu- for many years with Skandia Folkdance. high time that there was a Swedish dent at the University She traveled twice to Swe- women’s chorus. This was 1951 and the of Washington and den to visit relatives. Swedish Male Chorus (SVEA) had been never got away. She Elna and Bob have been in existence since 1905. Under the Seat- graduated from Lin- members of the Irish Heri- tle Swedish Club sponsorship, the group coln High School and tage Club and have attended organized and became the first female went on to the Uni- many an Irish event in Seat- chorus admitted to the American Union versity of Washing- tle, especially the St Pat- of Swedish Singers, joining the Western ton, earning a degree rick’s Day events. Elna and Division in 1972 and the National in in Swedish. After Bob have also traveled twice 1978. teaching in California to Ireland, enjoying the Irish Elna remembers when the Chorus was for a year, she re- people and their music. larger, 30 women. The singers really turned to Seattle and Elna is the envy of the enjoyed each other’s company and had married Bob Ryan. current chorus because she good times at the old Swedish Club Living in south Seat- knows all of the Swedish downtown. Their first director was Carl tle, they have been melodies and lyrics by heart. Zeed. Elna began singing second so- married for over 50 She is our treasure! prano but later moved to alto (and what years and have 4 chil- ~ Mary Hillman, Swedish an alto she is!). Elna laughingly says “I dren: Kathleen, Elna Ryan Women’s Chorus April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 4 of 6 Winter Events for Waukegan Northeastern Illinois has suffered through an extremely bitter cold and snowy winter. What better way to deal with Mother Nature than to party. And that's exactly what we did. First, was our Valentine's Party on Feb- ruary 15th. Thirty-six brave souls came out - in the cold and snow - to the Swed- ish Cafe in Lindenhurst, IL to enjoy a delicious dinner of either stuffed cabbage rolls or baked chicken - both with all the trimmings. The Swedish Cream of Vegetable soup and Peach Cobbler were scrumptious. Eric Schleiffer, who is a new member of our chorus, played sev- eral numbers on the accordion for us. Eric also won the "jar of candy kisses" by guessing the number of candy kisses in the jar. After an evening of good food and camaraderie we had to go back out into the cold and head home, but we all agreed that we had a very en- joyable evening just getting together. Eric Schleiffer entertained on the accordion at the Valentine’s Party in Lindenhurst, IL A month later, Mother Nature was a little more forgiving. On March 15th, sert. The club provided a delicious soda wife, Joy, provided music during dinner - we got together again for our annual St. bread. Our president, Gene Sanderlin, Joy on the violin and Jeff on the penny Patrick's Day Party at the American Le- made a mouth-watering Whiskey whistle. Following dinner, singer Fred gion Hall in Lake Forest, IL. This party Cake. There wasn't a crumb left. Char- Jeffries’ daughter, Jennifer, and her hus- was a mostly catered event. We had a lene Vojtko and Pat Minkler made the band entertained us with a medley of corned beef and cabbage dinner with red Irish Coffee for those who wanted to Irish songs on the violin and piano. It potatoes, green beans, salad and de- partake. Our director, Jeff Delay, and his was a wonderful and enjoyable evening for all. On Friday, March 14th, the Waukegan singers participated in a concert hosted by the Normennenes Singing Society of Chicago at their 34th Annual Festival at the Estonian House in Lincolnshire, IL. The event opened with all choruses singing The Star Spangled Banner. Six choruses participated in the event: the Swedish Glee Club—Wauke- gan, the Normennenes Singing Society, the Bjornson Male Chorus of Chicago, the Chicago Swedish Male Chorus, the Latvian Men's Choir and the Chicago Swedish Glee Club. Each chorus per- formed two songs and then the concert ended with a combined chorus singing six numbers, with the directors of each chorus taking a turn directing a song. Refreshments were served after- wards. ~ Pat Minkler and Evert Schmidt, Swedish Waukegan’s St. Patrick's Day Party in Lake Forest, IL. Photos: Gene and Yoko Sanderlin Glee Club—Waukegan April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 5 of 6

President’s ... Notice to All Choruses… Continued from page 2

tion cities. At first, I attended conven- Response Requested! tions by myself, sharing a room with Last month, I asked that all choruses your chorus to get it to me. It doesn’t other singers to save money. Later my send updated membership lists to me, have to be email, I will retype a snail- husband (a non-singer) saw how much including their contact person and cur- mail list. Just make sure I can read the fun they were, and now he comes too. rent email addresses and new phone writing if it is not typed. Conventions are possible for everyone. numbers if they have cancelled their land Tack så myket, Get together with another singer. Share lines and gone to cell numbers. Results: Alana Mapes travel and hotel costs. A convention will NONE. Not one chorus has responded. not break the bank if you plan ahead. I hope it is because everyone is busy E-mail: If you have never attended a conven- with spring concerts and preparing to [email protected] tion before, take a leap of faith and “Just attend the wonderful convention in Min- Regular mail: Do It!” You will never be sorry. neapolis. At any rate, I do need that in- 25500 NW Svea Drive See you in Minneapolis in 2014 and formation so please appoint someone in Hillsboro, OR 97124 Chicago in 2016. ~ Alana

Interpreting Central Division Convention Music Those singing in the Central Division Convention Grand Concert should have received from Sherry Dreyfuss “Directors’ Notes” on how to practice and interpret the songs. If not, please contact her (address information is on page 2). Convention Award Nominations Sought One of the highlights of conventions is rendered outstanding and extraordinary years. being able to recognize the service and service at the Division or Chorus level contributions of AUSS members. Below which substantially furthers the objec- Your nominations need to be submitted are the awards and qualifications needed tives and enhances the activities or the to me, Alana Mapes, at lubedealer@ to nominate singers and non-singers. prestige of the A.U.S.S. may be deemed coho.net, or sent snail mail to: Alana to constitute outstanding and extraordi- Mapes, 25500 NW Svea Drive, Hills- Gold Medal nary service for the purpose of confer- boro, OR 97124. The Executive Board Qualifications: Outstanding and ex- ring this award. then approves the nomination. Please traordinary service at the national level is tell us briefly the achievements of each the primary reason for bestowing this Certificate of Merit person nominated for the first three award. However, service at the Division Qualifications: Being an active mem- Awards in this article. The same award or Chorus level which substantially fur- ber of a chorus, attending rehearsals may not be awarded to a recipient more thers the objectives and enhances the regularly, learning music and lyrics, and than once. activities or the prestige of the A.U.S.S. being willing to serve as an officer or on It is up to you, chorus members, to be may be deemed to constitute outstanding committees. To be awarded at Division sure deserving people are nominated for and extraordinary service for the purpose Conventions only, in number no more their achievements. I need to have these of conferring this award. that the awarding chorus’s authorized BEFORE the convention. The Executive delegate total. 4-10 singers…1 award, Board needs time to respond to the nomi- Divisional Leadership Award 11-25 singers…2 awards, 26-50 sing- nations, and I need to have the correct Qualifications: Outstanding and ex- ers…3 awards, 51+ singers…4 awards. amount of awards and certificates with traordinary service at the Division or me when I leave for Minneapolis. It is Chorus level which substantially furthers Fifty Year Pin disappointing to be at a convention and the objectives and enhances the activities Qualifications: Being an active mem- have someone hand me a list of people or the prestige of the A.U.S.S. may be ber of an A.U.S.S. chorus or choruses for they want recognized, and I don’t have deemed to constitute outstanding and a combined period of fifty (50) years. the proper awards. extraordinary service for the purpose of Please, email or send me the people conferring this award. Twenty-five Year Pin you would like to see recognized. Qualifications: Being an active mem- Erland G. Levine Award ber of an A.U.S.S. chorus or choruses for Thanks, Qualifications: A non-singer who has a combined period of twenty-five (25) Alana April 2014 MUSIKTIDNING page 6 of 6

WALTER C. JOHNSON Superintendent of Personnel, while earn- 1931-2014 ing graduate degrees from Wayne State University. Art and Marjorie were active Sadly, the Apollo Singing Society an- members of St Paul Lutheran Church, nounces the passing of our brother where Art directed the choirs for 20 singer, Walter Johnson, on Wednesday, years. ARTHUR W. ELANDER February 19, 2014 at the age of 82. Wal- Proud of the ancestry of his four Swed- 1927 - 2014 ter joined Apollo in 1958 during a period ish grandparents, Arthur also served as in its history of growing membership and Arthur W. Elander of the Arpi Male president of the Swedish Club of Farm- influence in the male choral life of the Chorus, Michigan, and an honorary Di- ington Hills, as well as directing the Arpi greater New Haven area. Walter re- rector-in-Chief of the AUSS, died on Male Chorus for 12 years. In 2003, Ar- ceived his Fifty Year Pin in 2008, cap- March 19 at age 87. thur received an Award of Merit from ping fifty years of service to Apollo, the Born in Worcester, MA, he showed a the Swedish Council of America for vol- Eastern Division and the AUSS. gift for music and the piano at an early unteerism and service in promoting Although his brother singers in Apollo age and attended the New Eng- Swedish heritage in the states. knew it, most of you may not be aware land Conservatory of Music, In 2000, Arthur was elected that the men’s AUSS pin, the women’s North Park College, and North- national AUSS Director-in- brooch and the Cultural Heritage Foun- western University. Chief and was honored to direct dation Pin were the result of his talent Arthur enlisted in the Navy the 2004 National Convention and skill as a designer in the field of met- during World War II, serving Grand Concert in Dearborn. alwork. He even ar- between college years. One of Arthur was awarded the AUSS’s ranged for the produc- his duties was at the Navy Mu- highest honor, the Gold Medal, tion of the first AUSS sic School where he served as in 2006. pins by the Rome the principal pianist for the After retirement, he and Badge Company of Atlantic Fleet. Marjorie traveled extensively worldwide. Tapei, Taiwan which After graduating with his music degree, Besides Marjorie, Arthur leaves behind continues to produce Art accepted a teaching position in a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, both the men’s and Wayne, and married his college sweet- and six great-grandchildren. women’s pins today. heart, Marjorie Carlson in 1949. Arthur A memorial service was held at St. Many of you may worked in the Wayne/Westland and Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, MI also have an AUSS decal which was also Dearborn school districts throughout his on March 29. His family thanks God for the product of his designer’s talent. career. He served as a vocal music the gift of his life and the blessing of the As a member of Apollo, Walt was al- teacher, school principal, and Assistant time they spent with him. ways first in line to offer his service when we had a chorus project or event. He served on Apollo’s 1984 Eastern Di- vision Convention Committee and volun- teered his help to the Division Commit- tees for our Conventions in 1988 and 2006 as well as the National Convention sponsored by the division at Stratton Mountain in 1996. Funeral He served Apollo as Treasurer, Vice President and President during the 1990s Homes and early 2000s. Walt served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was Peace of mind for you predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandra Whitehead Johnson, some years ago. He and your family is survived by two daughters, Lynnea Walker and Cynthia Lee Johnson, a son, Preplan your funeral. Complete selection of Clark, as well as six grandchildren, two burial and cremation services. great grandchildren, including one born since his passing, and two brothers. A Janet Nelson • Funeral director Memorial Service was held on February, 22 at the W. S. Clancy Funeral Home in 5149 N. Ashland Avenue • Chicago • 773-561-5147 Branford, CT. 820 Talcott Road • Park Ridge • 847-823-5122 - Joe O’Leary, Apollo Singing Society