Cymanfa Ganu facts for kids
A Cymanfa Ganu (pronounced: kuh-MAN-vah GAH-nee) is a special Welsh singing festival. It's all about singing sacred hymns together. Imagine a big group of people singing in four-part harmony! A music leader usually guides everyone.
This unique singing tradition started in 1859. It began at Bethania Chapel in a town called Aberdare, Wales. A reverend named Evan Lewis helped to create it.
Today, Cymanfaoedd Canu (that's the plural for Cymanfa Ganu) happen every year. You can find them in many towns and villages across Wales. Sometimes, different chapels in one area might even have their own festivals. Big events like the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod also feature Cymanfaoedd Canu. Occasionally, these singing events are held in concert halls too.
The tradition has spread far beyond Wales! Wherever Welsh people have moved around the world, you might find a Cymanfa Ganu. This is especially true in places like Y Wladfa in Argentina. Welsh settlers made their homes there in the mid-1800s. In some of these areas, people still speak Welsh every day. Even in the UK, outside of Wales, you can find these festivals in places like London.
Welsh cultural groups are working hard to keep the Cymanfa Ganu tradition alive. Groups like the New Zealand National Gymanfa Ganu Association and the Welsh North American Association help support it. They want to make sure this special part of Welsh culture continues for generations.
North American Singing Festival
Once a year, a big four-day festival takes place in North America. It's called the Festival of Wales, and it happens over the Labor Day weekend. The fun begins on Thursday evening with an opening ceremony and a concert.
The festival continues with a special dinner on Friday night. On Saturday, there's another concert. This often features a Welsh male voice choir and solo singers who travel all the way from Wales.
Sunday is the most important day of the festival. It starts with a church service held in two languages. After a short break, the main Cymanfa Ganu singing sessions begin. These happen in the afternoon and evening.
A cool thing about the Cymanfa Ganu is how singers sit. People singing alto, soprano, tenor, and bass parts sit in separate sections. This helps them sing the four-part harmony perfectly. Even though it's a serious singing event, the conductor might stop the singing. This happens if one group of voices isn't quite right. They'll then get special help to get back in tune.
Between the main singing sessions, people often sing their favorite hymns together. It's a very joyful atmosphere! There's also a Welsh marketplace at the festival. You can find Welsh products, souvenirs, music, and books there. The Welsh North American Association helps organize this big event.
See also
- List of music festivals in the United Kingdom
