MGGA -MN Welsh Hymn Festival
What is the Minnesota Welsh Hymn Festival?
The MGGA annually holds a special event in September to recognize a long-standing Welsh music tradition by hosting a Welsh Hym Festival.
Each year invitations are sent to area churches and the general public to attend and participate in an afternoon of singing Welsh hymns dating back to the 19th century. Under the direction of a visiting conductor, the entire congregation (seated by parts--soprano, alto, tenor, bass, or "joyful noise" with the emhasis on "Joyful") sings in English or sometimes in Welsh at least 16 hymns drawn from the official hymnal of the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association.
The 2012 Welsh Hymn Festival will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 23, at First Presbyterian Church, Broad and Hickory Streets, Mankato.
Attendance at this annual Minnesota Welsh Hymn Festival exceeds over 300. It is open to the general public with only a free-will offering taken to help defray expenses. A Te Bach (Refreshment Hour) featuring Welsh cakes, bars, coffee and tea will follow the singing session.