Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives – Episode 7

K.H. Neufeld: The Wandering Conductor

K.H. Neufeld in an undated portrait. MHA 209-010.
K.H. Neufeld leading a choir. The inscription reads "Conducting a Mass-Choir in Altona - 1935". MHA 209-002.
A course for conducting led by K.H. Neufeld and Frederick Newnham in 1950. The inscriptions read "Lehrer: K.H. Neufeld m. Frederick Newnham" and "Dirigenten Kursus - 1950 - in Altona, Man, Canada". MHA 209-006.
"Am Meerestrand" (At the Seaside), a piece of music by K.H. Neufeld. Photo courtesy of Conrad Stoesz.
A spool of wire used in magnetic wire recording - a method of recording used prior to the establishment of affordable magnetic tape options in the 1950's. Photo courtesy of Conrad Stoesz.

Kornelius Herman Neufeld, or K.H. as he became known, was born in 1892 in south Imperial Russia. An immigrant to Canada in 1923, he became known as “the wandering conductor” in a career that lasted until his death in 1957 from cancer. K.H. was known for his organizing ability, his gregarious personality, and story telling. He had a profound impact on Mennonite choral singing in Manitoba and across Canada.

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Podcast Series: Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives
Episode 7: K.H. Neufeld: The Wandering Conductor
Date: December 15, 2024
Host: Dan Dyck
Published by The Mennonite Heritage Archives

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