Well-Known Welsh Musician to Conduct at November Celebration
By EIFION WILLIAMS
VANCOUVER _ Eifion Thomas, the Music Director of the Llanelli Male Voice Choir, will be the conductor at the Gymanfa Ganu (Singing Festival) on November 7 as part of the Cambrian Hall 75th Anniversary Celebrations.
Dr. Thomas is well known to North American Welsh Societies, having conducted the Annual North American Gymanfa Ganu on several occasions. He was the conductor at the Vancouver Gymanfa (1980) as well as Victoria (1990), Belleview (1994) and San Jose (2001).
Under Eifion Thomas’ baton the Llanelli choir has won the Chief Male Choir Competition at the National Eisteddfod of Wales five times, as well as victories in many other Welsh choral competitions. Dr. Thomas has also conducted the London Welsh Festival of 1000 Male Voices at the Royal Albert Hall.
Eifion Thomas has also performed as a tenor soloist with many choirs and has agreed to be a soloist at the Grand Concert presented by the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir on the evening of November 6 at St. Patrick’s Parish Church, 125 East 12th Avenue. The Grand Concert will be the highlight of the weekend’s events.
The organizers of the Anniversary Celebrations are pleased that such a fine and popular conductor has agreed to participate in the weekend’s events. Eifion Thomas’ reputation will undoubtedly attract a wider audience for the festivities.
Once again Welsh Society member Gren Thomas has agreed to sponsor part of the weekend’s activities. Gren’s generous support for Welsh cultural events in Vancouver is greatly appreciated by the Vancouver Welsh Society. His support has allowed Vancouver audiences to enjoy musical acts from Wales that would not otherwise be possible.
In addition to the Saturday Concert and the Gymanfa there will also be a Noson Lawen (variety evening) on November 5, and a Chapel Service at 11 AM on Sunday. The organizers are also planning several activities at the Cambrian Hall for November 6.
More information on the weekend celebrations will appear in the October issue of The Celtic Connection. Proceeds from the Anniversary Weekend events will go towards the Cambrian Hall roof fund.
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