91st Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu
~ Preview the hymns for the 2023 Gymanfa below| Purchase a WNGGA Hymnal
Sunday, September 3, 2023, 2:00pm - 6:00pm (a tea break from 3:30pm - 4:30pm)
Admission to this event is included in a Festival Pass, free will offering on site
Location: Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Walking distance from the Cornhusker Marriott
Sunday afternoon, join us for song and praise in this traditional celebration of congregational singing of Welsh hymns. Hymns will be sung in both Welsh and English in this, our 91st annual Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu. Don’t forget to bring your Welsh hymnals. Hymnals will be available for purchase. Both sessions will be held at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Director Robat Arwyn and Steve Jensen will accompany.
2:00pm - 3:30pm ~ Gymanfa Ganu Session I
3:30pm - 4:30pm ~ Complimentary Afternoon Tea at the Cornhusker Marriott
4:30pm - 6:00pm ~ Gymanfa Ganu Session II
Closing Ceremony (at the conclusion of the Gymanfa)
6:30pm - 7:30pm ~ Sunday Evening Meal at Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel [Menu]
3:30pm - 4:30pm ~ Complimentary Afternoon Tea at the Cornhusker Marriott
4:30pm - 6:00pm ~ Gymanfa Ganu Session II
Closing Ceremony (at the conclusion of the Gymanfa)
6:30pm - 7:30pm ~ Sunday Evening Meal at Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel [Menu]
91st National Gymanfa Ganu Director Robat Arwyn
Composer, choral director, radio presenter and eisteddfod adjudicator, Robat Arwyn’s choral works and songs are much performed across Wales and beyond by renowned artists such as Sir Bryn Terfel, Rhys Meirion, The Priests, Shan Cothi and Aled Jones.
Born in the village of Talysarn, in Gwynedd, North Wales, he attended the local primary school and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle before graduating in Music from Cardiff University in 1980, subsequently moving on to Aberystwyth University where he received his Diploma in Librarianship in 1981.
He joined Côr Rhuthun in 1981, became their accompanist in 1987, married one of the altos (Mari) in the same year, and became their Musical Director in 2008.
One of Robat Arwyn’s most internationally performed song is Benedictus, initally released by Rhys Meirion and Bryn Terfel in 2005, and subsequently recorded by The Priests for their 2008 classical album which reached No.1 in Ireland and Norway, as well as the Top 10 in numerous countries across Europe and beyond.
Recent commissions have come from the Welsh North American Association, the Dewi Sant Welsh United Church, Toronto, (Canada), Ensemble Sottovoce (Paris), the Barry Male Voice Choir (Wales) and the St Helen’s U3A Mixed Choir (England).
Composer, choral director, radio presenter and eisteddfod adjudicator, Robat Arwyn’s choral works and songs are much performed across Wales and beyond by renowned artists such as Sir Bryn Terfel, Rhys Meirion, The Priests, Shan Cothi and Aled Jones.
Born in the village of Talysarn, in Gwynedd, North Wales, he attended the local primary school and Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle before graduating in Music from Cardiff University in 1980, subsequently moving on to Aberystwyth University where he received his Diploma in Librarianship in 1981.
He joined Côr Rhuthun in 1981, became their accompanist in 1987, married one of the altos (Mari) in the same year, and became their Musical Director in 2008.
One of Robat Arwyn’s most internationally performed song is Benedictus, initally released by Rhys Meirion and Bryn Terfel in 2005, and subsequently recorded by The Priests for their 2008 classical album which reached No.1 in Ireland and Norway, as well as the Top 10 in numerous countries across Europe and beyond.
Recent commissions have come from the Welsh North American Association, the Dewi Sant Welsh United Church, Toronto, (Canada), Ensemble Sottovoce (Paris), the Barry Male Voice Choir (Wales) and the St Helen’s U3A Mixed Choir (England).
2091st National Gymanfa Ganu accompanist Steve Jensen ~
Our organist, Steve Jensen, began playing the piano and organ at the age of nine. He had his first regular church job at the age of thirteen. During grades 9-12 he studied at Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Appleton, WI. He continued his organ study during college at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI.Our organist, Steve Jensen, began playing the piano and organ at the age of nine. He had his first regular church job at the age of thirteen. During grades 9-12 he studied at Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. He continued his organ study during College at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
His first Gymanfa Ganu was in 1977 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The conductor was Lyn Harry of Canada. Mr. Harry requested that Mr. Jensen play the following year at the National Gymanfa Ganu in Minneapolis in 1978. Since then Steve has played for many local, state and national cymanfaoedd.
Mr. Jensen is currently employed as a consultant for Froedtert Health and serves as Organist at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2023 Hymn List
First Session
1. Rachie (1)
2. Sirioldeb (52)
3. Calon Lân (66)
4. Llef (56)
5. Hyfrydol (16)
6. Builth (73)
7. Crimond (77)
8. Tydi a roddaist (110)
9. Milwaukee (6)
10. Mawlgan (106)
11. Arwelfa (87)
Second Session
1. Blaenwern (75)
2. Godre'r Coed (12)
3 Diadem (14)
4. Penpark (26)
5. Diolch i ti (34)
6. Sanctus (30)
7. Mae d'eisiau di bob awr (62)
8. Bryn Myrddin (23)
9. Rhys (89)
10. Arglwydd, dyma fi / Gwahoddiad (96)
11. Cwm Rhondda (40)