100 years for the song

100 years MGV Scholle

Governor Peter Kaiser honored Franz Hrastnig on behalf of the Republic of Austria with the Golden Medal of Honor of the Republic of Austria for his services to the choral sector.(Bild: LPD Kärnten Markus Vouk)

With 57 active members, MGV Scholle is the largest male choir in Carinthia, and it also has a long, 100-year tradition. At the celebration of this anniversary, the long-time choirmaster Franz Hrastnig was also given a great honor.

Beautiful songs and words of admiration could be heard on Saturday at the ceremony in the Neue Burg in Völkermarkt: MGV Scholle Haimburg/ St. Peter am Wallersberg celebrated its first 100 years. 

MGV Scholle celebrated its 100th choir anniversary with Erwin Angerer, Martin Gruber, honorary choirmaster Franz Hrastnik, chairman of MGV Scholle Josefi Lobnig, Peter Kaiser and Reinhart Rohr.(Bild: LPD Kärnten Markus Vouk)

The choir was founded on August 23, 1924. The name Scholle comes from Ackerscholle, the home soil, as many singers once came from the agricultural sector. The choir's repertoire ranges from Carinthian songs to hunting songs and modern choral singing in all languages to contemplative Advent songs. 

The MGV Scholle looks back on a 100-year tradition and has taken on an important social role in the region. It stands for traditional and modern songs and connects the generations. It is a folk cultural trademark for Carinthia.

Peter Kaiser, Landeshauptmann und Kulturreferent

Today, Lukas Joham directs the choir; Franz Hrastnig, who also founded other choirs, did so for 38 years. This "ambassador of Carinthian song" was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria by Governor Peter Kaiser.

"Socially active associations are important anchor points in challenging times - such as those we are currently experiencing - that give people support and orientation," said Deputy Governor Martin Gruber in recognition of the choir's work.