4 minute read
ABC in KMC: Valiant Violinist Wunderlich
by Gina Hutchins-Inman, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
In the 19th century, many musicians left their homes in the Westpfalz region to roam the world as traveling musicians playing in military orchestras and royal court ensembles. One of its famous resident-musicians was Anna Malz, who was born 1888 in Köstelwald in the Bohemian Erz Mountain Range. At that time, the Erz region was famous for the builders of fine instruments and its talented musicians.
Anna, the oldest of three sisters, played violin and was an extraordinarily independent lady of the time, who also ventured out on a tour with a pure ladies’ band. This was a remarkable phenomenon at the turn of the century, as most female ensembles resorted to playing in local coffee houses, restaurants and garden bars.
The same as their male counterparts, the ladies set out on a tour throughout France, southern Europe, Poland, Russia, Türkiye and Palestine. During this time Anna developed into a veritable violinist and founded her own female orchestra, which quickly became popular and well received by varying audiences.
Anna had a talent for organizing travel to foreign countries, finding exciting musical engagements and selecting music pieces favored by their German audience, and she became extremely successful. During a tour in Cyprus, she met and fell in love with Paul Edmund Wunderlich, a young military orchestra conductor. She and Paul soon married and then returned to Paul’s home in Kusel with their young daughter in 1929.
Their son Fritz was born in Kusel one year later and Paul took on a position as music teacher at a local school. With the rise of the National Socialist regime, Paul increasingly suffered from intrigue and denunciation, based on his Jewish background, and ended up taking his own life in 1935, leaving Anna behind with two young children.
Anna was faced with managing her household and raising her children, when she took over her husband’s former position as a music teacher at Progymnasium in Kusel. She found herself as a full-time working woman, unusual and brave at the time for a 47-year-old woman. In addition, she gave private lessons and played as a violinist in dance orchestras at local festivities.
Like mother, like son: Fritz developed an early passion for music and Anna supported Fritz’s accordion and trumpet lessons and adamantly promoted his vocal talent. Luckily, she was able to experience his skyrocket career and magical success as an international tenor on prestigious opera stages throughout Europe, before passing away at the age of 75 in October 1963. It is not surprising that the last name “Wunderlich” translates to “whimsical,” a fitting name for a valiant and remarkable woman.
Fritz was at the peak of his career and was scheduled to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York Oct. 8, 1966. But shortly before his 36th birthday in September, he fell down a staircase, caused by untied shoes, and suffered a fractured skull. He died the following day in a clinic in Heidelberg and was buried in Munich.
The concert hall in Kusel, which offers renowned musical performances, was dedicated to his talent, while the legacy of Fritz and his musical mother lives on in “Fritz Wunderlich Halle.”
The hall was constructed as an auditorium and multi-purpose building close to the vocational school on Rossberg and opened in 1985. Upon former mayor Kurt Theiss’ initiative, the cultural site became associated with the name Fritz Wunderlich, Kusel’s most talented son. A large steel plate with a support was added close to the entrance with Wunderlich’s bust in the middle.
At full capacity, the hall can seat an audience of 600 people in the shape of an amphitheater, enabling the audience close contact to the stage. The stage offers space for large orchestras and choirs and has excellent acoustics. An organ and a Steinway grand piano complete the furnishings.
The cultural program season runs from September to June, while theater performances range from classic to modern. A variety of concerts, from chamber music to jazz, operetta and orchestral brass music to rock music are offered throughout the year.
The world famous “12 Tenors” paid tribute to Fritz during a performance in 2023. Cabaret, children’s and youth programs round off the season. Finally, there are special events, such as major musical performances, including a tribute to Elton John concert, as well as an annual charity concert.
For upcoming events, visit: http://landkreis-kusel.de
