'Truly shown the meaning' - International music visit to South Tyneside hailed
German choir visit to South Tyneside marks 75-year friendship - and it was hailed a real success.
A singing collaboration in South Tyneside between women of two nations to mark 75 years of friendship has been hailed a success for hitting all the right notes.
The Women of Wuppertal (WoW) Choir joined with the South Shields-based Harton Harmonisers and Customs Voices female choirs for a series of concerts.
The WoW, based in the German town of Wuppertal, which is twinned with South Tyneside, gave several performances with the two compatriot groups.
Each choir showcased their own singing styles and then combined to celebrate diversity and friendship through song.
The WoW Friendship Tour began on Monday, June 29, and included a concert with the Harton Harmonisers at Ocean Road Community Centre in South Shields
The WoW then joined the Customs Voices for a performance at St Michael’s Church in Westoe Road, also South Shields.
Each sang separately, with the choirs then combining in a finale which celebrated the power of singing as a force for good.
And the WoW rounded off its tour with a sell-out performance at the bandstand in the town’s seafront South Marine Park.
The performances were praised by Tom Fennelly and Wolfgang Mohrhenn, who helped to organise the tour.
Tom said: “The WoW choir visit exceeded every expectation.
“Thanks to the efforts and support of many people in Wuppertal and South Tyneside, it has truly shown the value and meaning of twin town friendship.
“Since 1951 there have been many visits each way with youth groups, sports clubs, schools, musicians, cyclists, artists and friendship associations establishing lifelong friendships, and at least one marriage.
“This visit was one of the best ever and has strengthened the special bond of real friendship that has grown and been nurtured for over 75 years.
“This was due in no small measure to the support of civic leaders, teachers, community leaders, representatives of organisations in Wuppertal and South Tyneside.
“All played an important role in ensuring that these links will continue to flourish.”
And Wolfgang added: “This choir with women from all over the world so perfectly embodies the ideas and ideals of town twinning in a very special and positive way.
“It was really important to bring such a diverse group to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of our twin town links with South Tyneside.
“The result was an amazing week of events, meeting hundreds of people from all sections of the local community and rekindling many old friendships and making many more new friends.”
The WoW was founded in 2016 and is an intercultural group of 50 women from 20 countries who between them speak 30 mother languages and are united by a passion for singing.
The concert at Ocean Road Community Centre was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Stan Wildhirt and his wife Dawn Wildhirst.
The couple also hosted a 75th Anniversary Civic Reception for the WoW choir at South Shields Town Hall.
In attendance were 11 cyclists from Wuppertal who are currently riding from South Shields to Liverpool as part of a regular twin town cycling exchange.
The German choir also visited St Peter & Paul RC Primary School, at Tyne Dock, South Shields.