WIESBADEN, Germany - There was a lot of head bopping and toe tapping in the Wiesbaden Kurhaus Dec. 12 as members of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus filled the ornate room with holiday cheer.
The free concert for the citizens of Wiesbaden featured a rich tapestry of musical moments ranging from selections from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" to popular holiday fare including "Feliz Navidad" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
"The holidays always evoke special feelings, and nothing brings forth the holiday spirit like music," said Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., USAREUR commander, in welcoming members of the audience to the concert. "So it is an honor and a privilege for the U.S. Army Band and Chorus to be asked to perform here in Wiesbaden, the new home of U.S. Army Europe, and usher is some of that holiday spirit tonight."
USAREUR's new senior leader, who last served as commander of III Corps in Fort Hood, Texas, said besides reflecting the spirit of the holiday season, the concert paid tribute to decades of German-American friendship.
"Over the years thousands of U.S. Army Soldiers have called Germany their home," he said. "And we feel at home due to the amazing hospitality of our German hosts."
Campbell thanked Wiesbaden Lord Mayor Dr. Helmut Müller for welcoming USAREUR to Wiesbaden, its "new home," and for making the Kurhaus concert possible.
Describing the USAREUR Band and Chorus as "a visible symbol of international friendship," Campbell pointed out that this year they have played more than 200 concerts in 14 different countries.
"With their music they build bridges that transcend languages and cultures," Campbell added.
Wiesbaden's lord mayor thanked the musicians for the "magnificent concert" and said he looked forward to more performances by the band in the future as the USAREUR Headquarters settles in to its new home in Wiesbaden.
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