What Is A "Gymanfa Ganu?"
 Until very recently the full
title of the weekend festival was The Ontario Gymanfa Ganu. The words "Gymanfa Ganu" were familiar to
all Welsh people, as such an event was an integral part of our heritage. What is a Gymanfa Ganu? Its literal translation
is a gathering or assembly for the purpose of singing. For any Welsh person it means hymn singing - in Welsh and
in four part harmony.
In Wales a Gymanfa Ganu traditionally
takes place on Easter Monday or on Whit Sunday. And they didn't just "happen". For several weeks prior
to the big event, there were weekly practices when sopranos, altos, tenors and basses learned their parts.
On the big day we all arrived
early at the chapel in order to get the best seats. The front row of the gallery was reserved for the most "important"
singers (the ones with the best voices and who had attended most practices.) Woe betide the singer who dared sit
in the front if he or she did not fit into those categories!
A Gymanfa is a religious celebration,
but even as a child I was aware of some less than holy sentiments as those sopranos in the gallery vied with each
other as to who had the most beautiful new outfit and hat!! But the singing was always rapturous, and raised the
rafters. Such wonderful memories!
The Welsh have retained the
tradition of the Gymanfa Ganu wherever they have travelled, and here in North America it still holds firm. The
North American Festival of Wales holds its Gymanfa every Labour Weekend, and Dewi Sant, the only Welsh church in
Canada, holds a Gymanfa every Good Friday
The Ontario Welsh Festival has
been in existence since 1961, and at the end of April every year Welsh people from Ontario and the United States
gather to celebrate our heritage. Although the Gymanfa is the raison d'etre of the weekend, the festival has developed
over the years to include several other events. On Friday evening there will be a Noson Lawen (translated as "Merry
Evening".) This showcases our homegrown talent as singers, musicians, actors, dancers or comedians. It is
similar to the Scottish or Irish Ceilidh.
Let's not forget the children.
Children in Wales are taught to perform on stage almost as soon as they can stand. We try to continue the tradition
here. So come support our youngsters as they show off their party pieces on Saturday morning.
Male Voice Choirs are as much
revered in North America as in Wales. Traditionally the Saturday night Grand Concert is given by a visiting choir
from Wales. This year we are delighted to welcome Côr Meibion Taf from Cardiff.
And finally to Sunday and the
two sessions of hymn singing. If you have never Welsh hymn singing, then a treat awaits you. The Welsh have been
blessed with a wonderful ability to sing in four part harmony, and the emotion that emits from the hymn singing
will lift ones very souls. It is, indeed, an unforgettable experience. Do come and experience it with us.
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