Welsh Choir Concert

Malibu United Methodist Church will host the Southern California Welsh Choir in a Palm Sunday Concert, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Côr Cymraeg De California was formed in September 1997.  The first Welsh concert choir based in Southern California, Côr Cymraeg is a non-denominational choir of men and women from across the Southland.  Within a year of its inception, the choir began performing throughout Los Angeles County,gaining a devoted and enthusiastic following.  Since their humble beginnings, they have performed throughout the state of California and beyond, including the Pacific Northwest, Washington D.C. at the National Cathedral, as well as the United Kingdom, primarily in Wales.  They have also been invited to provide studio work for television commercials and soundtracks.The Choir's repertoire is one hundred percent Welsh, with approximately one-third sung in the Welsh language and two-thirds in English.  It draws from the entire spectrum of Welsh music, both in secular and sacred, traditional and modern.  Welsh folk singing—which ranges in mood frombrooding to merry—is virtually unknown to audiences outside of Wales. Magnificent Welsh hymns rival those of Germany and England in grandeur, yet only a handful are known worldwide.  This Celtic tradition of musical composers, hymn writers, and poets is still very much alive, and the Welsh Choir is devoted to showcasing these modern works as well as traditional fold songs and hymns.  The Choir also brings outstanding young prizewinning singers and harpists from Wales to perform with it in California.  It is the mission of the Choir to acquaint international audiences with this abundant musical literature and talent. As befits a multicultural community such as Southern California, the Welsh Choir has always been a multi-ethnic choir, drawing its members from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.  While many of the choir’s members are of Welsh or Celtic heritage, membership is open to all who share three common interests:     

•  A love of singing.
•  A love of Welsh music.        
• The challenge ofpronouncing the Welsh language, especially the nearly unsingable double-L (which is a fiendish sound!). Fortunately, language assistance is provided.  The choirpractices every Sunday afternoon and are a warm, creative, and dedicated family. New members are welcome to join throughout the year.

Proceeds help to underwrite scholarships for the Methodist Women's Group Annual Retreat in Montecito, California. Tickets available at www.malibuumc.org. Click on "Upcoming Events".