Cymanfa Ganu Writeup

As part of the Welsh Church’s St David’s Day celebrations, a Cymanfa Ganu (Singing Festival) was held on Sunday afternoon 4 March at St Michael’s Church, Collins Street.

Our guests at our 2 March concert – conductor Ilid Anne Jones and tenors Aled Wyn Davies and Rhys Meirion – were the main guests of the Welsh Church and were joined by Blue Riband winner Steffan Prys Roberts. During the course of the very varied program, they all performed magnificently either in solos, duets or as a trio.

VicWelsh was joined by three other Welsh choirs and a community choir. Geelong Welsh Ladies sang Y Mae Afon by themselves with all male choirs combining on Benedictus, and Morte Criste. All five choirs and the three tenors joined together on Nearer My God to Thee.

As well as these items, all choristers joined with the capacity congregation to sing ten different well-known hymns, accompanied by organ, brass and timpani.

At the end of the Gymanfa Ganu, all choirs, all patrons and all the guest singers stood to passionately sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.