SÄNGERFEST

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:33): I had the pleasure last month to represent the government on the occasion of the 15^th Sängerfest, held at Tanunda in the Barossa Valley. The Barossa's hosting of Sängerfest 2011 was the perfect way to celebrate the exceptional contribution the Tanunda Liedertafel has made since 1861, not just to that region but to the entire state.

This year marks the 150^th anniversary of the Tanunda Liedertafel choir. South Australia was delighted to be hosting German choirs from right across South Australia and all Australia, from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the ACT, that came to perform at the Brenton Langbein Theatre. I commend all those in the Barossa, including the council and tourist operators, who played a role in making the long weekend a terrific success. It was truly a wonderful occasion to welcome all the choirs with their many skills and talents and recognise their contribution to the joyous celebration.

Of course, the Barossa region is one of South Australia's most famous as a premier wine growing region as well as being a beautiful valley. Indeed, it was a perfect setting for the Sängerfest. It is worthwhile placing on record the history of the Tanunda Liedertafel and its extraordinary commitment and success. President Vaughan Heenan has every reason to be proud of the Tanunda Liedertafel. Mr Heenan mentioned in the program message that the Tanunda Liedertafel has for some years now been going through a period of growth and enthusiasm, which has been shown by the spirit of cooperation and endeavour of the members and committees in organising this festival.

Before I go any further I should mention that the member for Schubert in the other place is a member of the Tanunda Liedertafel and was performing at the concert. I understand the Tanunda Liedertafel hosted the first Sängerfest in Tanunda at Heinemann Park on 27 and 28 December 1874, when they were joined by the Adelaide Liedertafel, the Liederkranz and the Turnverein choristers all performing together. It subsequently hosted a second Sängerfest in 1891, when a choir from Rastatt, Germany, and other choirs from around Australia also performed.

The Tanunda Liedertafel has been recorded by the ABC, as well as being telecast for the first time when it celebrated its centenary anniversary. More notably, in 1963 it performed before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the Royal Music Festival in Elder Park, Adelaide. I was also interested to see that apparently, by request, it also performed for President Bill Clinton on his visit to Adelaide. The Tanunda Liedertafel is a choir with an international reputation, having also appeared in telecast programs several times throughout Germany.

As a former minister assisting in the field of multicultural affairs, I am pleased to acknowledge the profound and positive influence those of German ancestry have had on South Australia, not the least their leadership in the Barossa Valley. Those of German heritage have been living in the Barossa and other regions of our state for more than 170 years, and they have been crucial to the fostering of whole industries and geographical areas.

The formation of German-speaking choirs is one that makes all proud, and I am certain it brings happiness to both performers and audiences of whatever heritage. I understand that the Tanunda Liedertafel, whilst having members of German origin who are predominantly third and fourth generation Australians, also comprises singers of Dutch, English, Polish, Scottish, Welsh and Irish backgrounds.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: And Cornish.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: And Cornish as well, the Hon. John Dawkins interjects.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: Ivan is of Cornish background.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: That is good to hear. Are you also a chorister?

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: Yes, but not in that choir.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: But not in that choir—thank you.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: The Adelaide Plains Male Voice Choir.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The Adelaide Plains Male Voice Choir. All South Australians appreciate the German-speaking choirs, steeped in their traditions. So many need to be congratulated for the wonderful weekend that was Sängerfest 2011. Apart from Mr Vaughan Heenan, the President of the Tanunda Liedertafel, I make mention of Mr Dieter Mittasch, President of the German Choral Association of Australia, and Mr Robert Homburg, the conductor of the Tanunda Liedertafel, along with accompanist Mrs Gwenda Rees, both of whom are recipients of the Order of Australia Medal for services to their community. Above all I congratulate the choristers. It is good to see such talent and commitment to music and performance celebrated in such a tradition. What was Mr Ivan Venning in another place?

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: A second tenor.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: I place that on the record as well.