The North American Swiss Singing Alliance (NASSA) was formed in the late 1800s specifically to meet the needs of the growing Swiss-born population in the United States, especially in the Midwest. These original Swiss settlers wanted to keep alive musical traditions brought from their homeland. Originally known as the Swiss American Singing Alliance, this organization served several Swiss choirs with the first Saengerfest held in 1897, in Cleveland, Ohio. Since that inaugural event, there have been 40 Saengerfests held at regular intervals, missing only one during World War II.

In order to engage the growing Swiss population in Canada, in 1982 NASSA became an international organization and the name was changed to its current title to reflect that status. Today NASSA is comprised of fifteen Swiss choral groups from the Midwest and Canada, representing about four hundred singers in mixed, men’s, women’s and yodel choirs.

On June 18 – 21, during the upcoming Saengerfest, NASSA member choirs representing Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, will come together to celebrate this common passion for music, friendly competition and culminating in a Grand Concert. Also coming to New Glarus for the event will be dignitaries from the Swiss government, Swiss musical ensembles and Swiss tour groups. All of these participants, as well as the assembled audience, will come together in New Glarus to celebrate for the 41st time!

For more information on Saengerfest 2015, to view information on NASSA member choirs or guest ensembles visiting from Switzerland, please visit the Saengerfest 2015 website at http://www.saengerfest2015.com.