Who We Are

We at the Kingston Maennerchor and Damenchor Inc., the German language men's and ladies' chorus in Kingston, New York, believe that we are the longest, continuously active, ethnic benevolent organization in Ulster County since our beginnings in 1868. The principal purpose and mission of our society is the preservation and promotion of German culture and heritage through music and song. Our many activities throughout the year are designed to help educate our members and community in German history, heritage and tradition.

Each time we perform in concert we renew our commitment to German choral singing brought to this country so long ago. We believe that whenever we perform we rejuvenate our determination to foster and encourage the continuation of our German heritage and tradition in music and song.

Our respect for tradition in our community is carried on in our concert performances of German songs, old and new. For some, the music is a reminder of childhood; for others the music connects them to a part of their heritage, which had been forgotten in the many generations since their ancestors arrived in the new country. For still others, the music introduces them to German heritage, history, and tradition rich in melody and with stories of love, heartfelt longing, happiness, sorrow, nature, humor, and good times.