Wolfgang SchmidtDear Members and Friends of Houston-Leipzig,

a busy and interesting year comes to an end.  Under the leadership of our 2013 President Dr. Ute Eisele we participated in some outstanding and true highlights; I mention only our 20th anniversary celebration in September and the visit of the St. Thomas Boys Choir last month.

Next year I will be your president; I thank you for your trust and hope that with your help we will have another exciting year — your support makes all the difference. 

Highlights this coming year include the 25th anniversary of the peace prayers in Leipzig on October 9, 1989, that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall a month later.  How exciting the anniversary celebrations will be!

We are planning a group tour to Leipzig to celebrate October 9, as well as some other events around that time.  As soon as we have the details from Leipzig, we will let you know firm dates and planned events during the trip, so that you can plan your schedule accordingly.

We in Houston also have reason to celebrate in 2014.  For the first time in its history, the Houston Grand Opera will perform Richard Wagner’s Ring during the next four years – it is a truly spectacular undertaking.  You do not need to go to Bayreuth – you can experience the entire cycle here.  Leipzig just celebrated the 200th anniversary of Wagner’s birth, and we will celebrate right alongside.

But I digress – we have an incredible opportunity to explore the inner workings of an opera house:  on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, we will meet at the opera for a special backstage tour of our incredible Wortham Center Brown Theater.  Please note the date; there will be more information later. 

We are working on our schedule for the new year, and would like to have your input – what type of program would you like to see, what are your suggestions?  I would love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful holiday season,

Wolfgang Schmidt

2014 President

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