It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we learned of the passing of one of our dearest and most enthusiastic of choristers and (overseas) supporters; Norbert Klein.
NMVC first encountered Norbert quite by accident when on tour to Exeter in 2015 when we were singing in Exeter Cathedral. Norbert was sitting right on the front row (and filmed it all) and he was extremely excited and deeply connected to our performance. Imagine our surprise when we learned that Norbert was not only staying at the same hotel in Exeter but also that he was there with a mixed choir from Germany.
These chance encounters sparked a long-lasting relationship with both Norbert and the choirs. We sang together long into the night in Exeter and friendships were formed and promises made to visit each other in our respective countries.
NMVC went on tour in 2017 to Bad Homburg and sang with SV Liederkranz Germania 1842 who were celebrating their 175th anniversary. They in turn came to visit Northampton in 2019.
Norbert was such an avid supporter of NMVC that he attended our online Zoom rehearsals during lockdown and on one occasion even flew to the UK just to hear us perform our Last Night of the Proms Concert with the GUS Brass Band. Norbert was a fully paid-up member of the choir – singing in the 2nd Tenors – although his attendance at rehearsals was pretty poor (forgiven, since he lived in Germany)!
We send our condolences to his wife Heidi and family. We will miss Norbert terribly. RIP dear friend of NMVC.