Eisteddfod to host musical evening at St Collen's

* St Collen's will be the setting for the musical evening hosted by the Eisteddfod. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host an evening of musical performances to celebrate Welsh culture and raise money for the 2020 festival.

The Cymanfa Ganu, which is the congregational singing of sacred Welsh hymns, will take place on Friday March 27, at 7pm, in St Collen’s Church.

The evening will feature a range of local performers, including Wrexham based mixed choir the James Lambert Singers. 

Formed over 50 years ago, they bring a distinctive sound to choral singing in Wales. 

Known for their wide repertoire of music, their songs include those from the 1940s, through to the more popular songs of today.  

The choir have had many successful singing engagements in Germany and have taken part in a Cymanfa Ganu in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

The evening will also include performances from Carrog-based ladies choir Lleisiau’r Afon who performed at the Eisteddfod for the first time last year, as well as musical items from a local Welsh harpist, and congregational singing in both Welsh and English.

The Eisteddfod's Community Engagement Officer Elise Jackson, said: “Its purpose is to highlight the Eisteddfod’s key messages of friendship, harmony and goodwill, as it brings the community together to celebrate the spirit of Welsh culture.”

Eisteddfod Artistic Director Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, who has conducted choirs all over the world, will be leading the Cymanfa Ganu accompanied by organist Owen Roberts. 

Dr Edward-Rhys Harry said: “This event will help to raise vital funds for the Eisteddfod, ensuring that we can welcome as many international competitors to Llangollen in July as possible.

“It is going to be a traditional event not to be missed, and it’s great to see such talented local performers giving their time to support this cause.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “If last year’s Cymanfa Ganu is anything to go by, it promises to be another fantastic evening of musical celebration, which is what the Eisteddfod is all about.”

* Tickets for Cymanfa Ganu are available from the Eisteddfod Box Office by calling 01978 862001, online at www.llangollen.net or from the Tourist Information Centre in Llangollen. Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £2 for children (free for children under the age of 5). This includes entry, a programme and traditional Welsh refreshments in the church hall after the event. For further information please visit www.llangollen.net.