Bringing more German culture to Milwaukee is never a bad idea. In a city filled with brewhauses and sausage vendors, German youth choir Tookula should feel right at home.
Tookula debuts traditional, folk and classical music from around the world tomorrow night at Mount Mary College in Wauwatosa. Based in Minden, Germany, the Tookula choir program teaches children techniques for successful singing, performance and touring.
Each year Tookula takes a one- or two-week trip; this year they've traveled to the United States in search of other cities named Minden. They found Mindens in Nebraska, Nevada and Iowa, the choir performed there before coming to Wisconsin.
While Milwaukee isn't quite Minden, the area's dominant German history and culture made Milwaukee a stop the group just couldn't pass up. Thanks to support from local agencies like the United German Choruses of Milwaukee, the White House of Music, Milwaukee Liederkranz and Wisconsin Sangerbezirk, the choir will stay with local host families to experience a new side of German heritage.
Tomorrow's performance is the fourth show in a two-week U.S. tour. During intermission, local men's chorus Milwaukee Liederkranz will perform and then, to add vocal variety, both members of Wisconsin Sangerbezirk and Milwaukee Liederkranz will join Tookula during the second half of the show.
The Tookula tour, a part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, focuses on cultural and educational exchange. Through Blue Lake's efforts, nearly 6,000 American and international students have visited 14 countries worldwide.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
