2023 Minnesota Welsh Hymn Festival
The Minnesota Welsh Association held their 86th annual Welsh Hymn Festival on Sunday, September 24 in Mankato, Minnesota. Director Dr. James Cassarino from Asheville, North Carolina, delighted the group with interesting background information on the hymns as he led the singing. Accompanists were Karen Jones Wojahn, organist, and Ryan Jones, pianist.
During breaks between the sets of hymns, Peter Lloyd Steiner, a third-generation Welsh-American, provided readings of poetry and the Diadem Quartet shared songs. The invocation and benediction were provided by Rev. Clint Patterson. During the Te Bach which followed the singing session, attendees browsed a display of historical information and enjoyed tea, coffee, Welsh cakes, and assorted other treats.
The Minnesota Welsh Association held their 86th annual Welsh Hymn Festival on Sunday, September 24 in Mankato, Minnesota. Director Dr. James Cassarino from Asheville, North Carolina, delighted the group with interesting background information on the hymns as he led the singing. Accompanists were Karen Jones Wojahn, organist, and Ryan Jones, pianist.
During breaks between the sets of hymns, Peter Lloyd Steiner, a third-generation Welsh-American, provided readings of poetry and the Diadem Quartet shared songs. The invocation and benediction were provided by Rev. Clint Patterson. During the Te Bach which followed the singing session, attendees browsed a display of historical information and enjoyed tea, coffee, Welsh cakes, and assorted other treats.
The 2022 Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, September 24 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. Under the leadership of Director Christopher Guy, the congregation joined in song, in both Welsh and English. The Peniel Quartet from Wisconsin and soloists Elizabeth and Gwendolyn Feltes from Sioux Falls provided music during breaks between sets of hymns.
The 2018 Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, September 23 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. The director was Mari Morgan. Special music from the Southwest Minnesota Men's Chorus. Original poems were read by poet Susan Thurston.
The 2017 Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, September 24 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. The director was Danny Proud from Wisconsin. The featured choir was the St. Peter Choral Society, directed by Sara McKay. Original poems were read by poet Susan Thurston, who grew up in the Lake Crystal area. The afternoon was chaired by MWA President Laurie Williams.
The 2016 Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, September 25 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. The director was Dr. James Cassarino from Poultney, Vermont. The guest choir was the Mankato Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus.
The 2015 Hymn Festival was held Sunday, September 27 at First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. The Conductor was Betty Cullingworth of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Performing Choir was the Windom Area Chordhustlers, Windom, MN.
The 2014 Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, September 28 at First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. Under the direction of Rev. Joe Corbin, the Festival was a great success. The enthusiasm of the Southwest Minnesota Men's Chorus was well-appreciated by the crowd.
The 2013 Hymn Festival on Sunday, September 22, was a huge success and was well-attended by many enthusiastic singers.