Who We Are

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

Each time we perform in concert we renew our commitment to the German heritage and tradition of 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 singing 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.