The choir has sent their regrets that the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK is preventing both the rehearsals and fundraising necessary to make their tour possible this year.
We are in hopes that the choir will be invited to a future NAFOW; if so that might provide another opportunity for us to host them here.
The 45-strong male voice choir, Côr y Penrhyn from Bethesda, Gwynedd, Wales will be performing here in West Hartford, CT on Saturday, August 29, 2020, 5:00 pm. - 6:30 pm. on their way to the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW), in Philadelphia.
Welsh Male Voice Choirs were formed by slate and coal miners in the 19th century and continue today performing around the world.
Hear their magnificent voices in this YouTube video set in the glorious scenery of North Wales.
When the choir was first formed, most of the members were slate quarrymen and nearly 3,000 were included. Now, the group is under 200 voices and members are drawn from all walks of life. The choir schedules about 30 concerts a year, and is one of the busiest choirs from Wales. Emphasis is on Welsh music: folk, hymns and anthems but now is expanding into contemporary compositions based on these forms and popular music. The group has produced two CD’s “Anthem” in 2011, features a broad reach into many genres and most recently “Gwlad”, which means “Country”. The West Hartford performance will feature selections from the latter album.
The Welsh people are known for their love of music, particularly of song and the concert offers their audience, of all ages, a first hand experience of Welsh culture.
Refreshments served at intermission, including Welsh Cakes.
Price of admission, available from June 1, 2020 are: $35 for preferred seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for those under 18, as well as for students with ID. To find our how to get admission, find out how to advertise in the program or get additional information, email. Doors will open at 4.30pm. Free, ample parking on surrounding streets.
Also check our FB page (WSWNE) and our future newsletters for more announcements. Discounted hotel rooms in the Hartford area will be available.