Cymanfa Ganu

On Saturday 2 March 2024 the annual St David’s Day Gymanfa Ganu, organised by Melbourne Welsh Church, was held in a new venue – St Paul’s Cathedral. Not only was there plenty of space for the six choirs involved but the usual Welsh community was augmented by curious bystanders, locals and tourists.

After the Australian National Anthem, welcoming addresses were made by Canon Robert Vun, Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes and the British Consul General Mr Steph Lysaght.

Ten Welsh hymns were sung by the whole congregation, entertainingly and energetically led by the Welsh guest conductor Jeffrey Howard.

The Australian Welsh (MD Tom Buchanan OAM), Melbourne Welsh (MD Mitchell Meyer) and Victoria Welsh (MD Faleiry Koczkar OAM) male choirs were also conducted by Jeff in rousing renditions of Rachie and Gwahoddiad.

The combined Geelong Welsh and Mornington Peninsula Welsh ladies choirs were conducted, firstly, by Tom in the Yorta-Yorta language Bura Fera and, secondly, by Jeanette John with Calon Lân. The community choir Excelsis was also conducted by Tom with an arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer sung in the Phillipines language llocano.

Interpolated between this program were four outstanding solos and a beautiful duet by soprano Heulen Cynfal (Blue Riband National Eisteddfod 2023) and by mezzo-soprano Ceri Haf Roberts (Blue Riband winner 2022).

Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes gave the vote of thanks to everyone involved in this magnificent event and asked retiring Victoria Welsh Choir MD Faleiry Koczkar to conduct the whole assembly in the Welsh National Anthem which very fittingly and emotionally capped off the day.