A musical bond

BY RACHEL FUERSCHBACH

rachel.fuerschbach@lockportjournal.com

The Lubbecke Brass Ensemble of Germany awarded Middleport resident Herbert Koenig with a medal for his work in the partnership of the American Concert Tour, which began in 1999.

The medal, the third in a series of 10, was presented to Koenig by Pfarrerin Sabine Heinrich at their recent concert in Lubbecke at St. Andreas Church after the 2015 concert tour. Inscribed on the back of the medal it reads “Für außerordentliches engagement in der partnerschaftsarbeit Herb Koenig in dankbarkeit zugeeignet Ev.-Luth. Kirchengemeinde Lubbecke.”

Translation: “For his extraordinary work in the partnership to Herb Koenig, in gratitude, from the Ev-Lutheran church community of Lubbecke.”

The medal was presented as a reciprocating honor after the Middleport Community Choir honored Friedrich Hirte of Germany, by giving him the keys to the village.

“When they were presenting me with the medal I was pouting in the back, because I thought this may be the last year that I am able to come back,” Koenig said.

At the age of 85, Koenig continues to look forward to future trips. However, he is also aware that he does not always know what the future has in store for him.

With a group that is continuously growing over the last 16 years, Koenig is sure that the tours will continue on even if he is no longer “running the show.” Close friendships have been built between the Americans and Germans.

“It’s the music that has brought us all together,” Koenig said. “It’s very unique.”

The American Concert Tour is a concert series that takes place every three years between the Lubbecke Brass Ensemble and Middleport Community Choir. It began with the German Ensemble’s visit to Middleport in 1999.

The idea was first generated in 1997 when Koenig participated in an Elderhostel genealogical study trip and stayed with a local German family, the Hirtes. During his stay, a relationship began to grow between Koenig and the German family, and it was then that Friedrick Hirte asked Koenig if he would be interested in starting a concert tour.

The concerts have been taking place both in America and Germany, with each group traveling to the other’s country every third year. The second event was held in Germany in 2002.

During each trip, the host group plans additional activities for the groups to partake in during their time in the country. In the past, Koenig and the Middleport Community Choir have planned a

See BOND, Page 4A

Herbert Koenig was presented with this medal for his work in the partnership of the American Concert Tour.

PHOTOS BY JOED VIERA/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Herbert Koenig was presented with a medal by the Lübbecke Brass Ensemble of Germany for his work in the partnership of the American Concert Tour.