WSWNE’s 2nd International Noson Lawen
WSWNE’s 2nd International Noson Lawen was held via Zoom on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
If life in the time of pandemic has taught us anything, it is how we can come together in ways we would never have expected or considered a year ago. We’ve had to get creative, and proficient in technological skills some of us may have thought were beyond our grasp. Thus, in order to bring together the members of the Welsh Society of Western New England, the second International Noson Lawen was presented via Zoom. This electronic celebration of Welsh poetry, stories, and song, brought together a mix of performers from the United States, England, and Wales, and was well attended by many members and guests.
Our celebration kicked off with a piece composed by member and gifted composer David Owens. His piece, Ffidilio yng Nghyumru (Fiddling in Wales) was beautifully played by violinist, Cynthia Cummings.
Linda Brown, from Bethesda, North Wales, joined us live from Wales and read poems by two Welsh poets: “Tangnefeddwyr” (Peacemakers) by Waldo Williams and “Hon”(This) by T.H. Parry Williams. Linda Brown runs Theatre Bara Caws in Caernarfon, North Wales and is a relation of member Lowri Jones.
Noelle DeFelice, family member of WSWNE played the piano and sang, “The Ash Grove “.
We traveled back to America, for a rendition of one a famous Welsh folk song, The Ash Grove, sung by member Sandy DeFelice’s daughter, Noelle. How many of us got a little teary-eyed when recalling how we sang this in school as youngsters? I know I did. Once again, we virtually traveled to Wales, where we were treated to a rendition of Trafaeliais y Byd (I Traveled the World) by Welsh actress, Lisa Jên Brown, a member of the renown folk band 9Bach. What an appropriate choice, and it was a treat to hear. We heard a bit of Welsh history from Tempest Crowell. Tempest recounted the history of the oldest lullaby in Britain. Pais Dinogad dates back to the 6th or 7th century. We stayed in America, for our next two performers. Veronica Chapman gave a very moving reading of her own poem titled, Requiem: Reflections on a visit to a poet and dear friend, followed by member Marian Evans Lubbert, who played the Welsh hymn, Bread of Heaven (Cwn Rhondda) on her digital organ.
St. Dwynwen’s Day may have passed earlier in the week, but her spirit became alive for us in the reading of her story. Helen Coates, from the eastern part of Massachusetts, told us the tale of the beautiful maiden and her star crossed lover.
Chris Docksey from Belgium and Sian Thomas from Wales delighted us with Neithiwr yn y Trwbadwr a Welsh language lyrics of the old Tom Paxton folk song, Leaving London. The Welsh lyrics were written by a family friend of Siân’s. The Troubadour, established 1954, continues today as a music and cafe venue in Earls Court, London it is performed by Sian and Chris, with guitar accompaniment. As Chris and Sian sang, the years fell away as sweet memories of coffee houses and strumming guitars filled my thoughts.
Emeritus Professor of Poetry at the University of South Wales (Glamorgan), Tony Curtis, came to us live from Barry, Wales. He read some of his own compositions about a Welsh boxer and also a beach in Wales, where wrecks of ships litter the shore. We were so lucky that the magic of Zoom could bring him into our homes. Veronica Chapman returned reciting her own poem about Hiraeth, bringing a tear to many and eye. For our final musical offering, we were entertained by a friend of the Welsh Society, the harpist Andrea Wild. Andrea, who came to us from Portland, OR, played Y Deryn Pur and Hob y Deri Dando, accompanied by her daughter on harp and her son on violin as well as members of her band, including teh Presidentt of teh Portland area Welsh Society.
Magdalen Dowden, once again graciously served as our Mistress of Ceremonies and Welsh Society President, Susan Davies Sit, brought our happy afternoon to a close. I’m sure that most of the attendees would agree that this “virtual parlor” celebration of all things Welsh brought us closer to our roots, gave us a sense of connection, and, for a short time, we were at our heart’s home.
Susan Davies Sit