Cymanfa Ganu

Once again the four Welsh choirs came together at St Michael’s Church as part of the Welsh Church’s St David’s Day celebrations. This year the Geelong Ladies and the Australian, Melbourne and Victoria male choirs were joined by the Excelsis mixed choir.

Guest conductor Rob Nicholls kept the choirs and a packed audience singing at their peak as everybody worked through the repertoire of ten famous hymns including Blaenwern, Cwm Rhondda and Sanctus. Rob was able to provide insightful comments on each and we learned that Rachie is indeed pronounced Raychie. Interlaced were a selection of songs in Welsh and English by Excelsis, powerful renditions of Brenin Seion and Y Trydydd Dydd by the other choirs and a performance of Calon Lân by the ladies and Tydi A Roddaist by the men.

Blue riband winner Ffion Hâf Jones sang a Welsh hymn followed by Anfonaf Angel. Guest tenor Rhys Meirion presented a Mario Lanza tune followed by a Welsh hymn; and Ffion and he combined on the beautiful Benedictus.