MGGA - Welsh Weekend of Song
What is the Welsh Weekend of Song?
Annually on the 4th Sunday in September, the MGGA holds a special
event to recognize a long-standing Welsh music tradition by hosting a
Welsh Weekend of Song. The focus of the Weekend is on the Sunday afternoon Minnesota Gymanfa Ganu (Welsh Hymn 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.
On September 26, 2010, the MGGA will mark the 75th anniversary of the first Minnesota Gymanfa held in 1935. The schedule will call attention to the observance through the program booklet and an exhibit of historical artifacts. Attendance at this annual MGGA event exceeds over 300. This unique ethnic event is open to the general public with only a free-will offering taken to help defray expenses.