Institute sponsoring Welsh Choir at historic church

Rehoboth Welsh Choir

WELSH RUN - The Conococheague Institute of Welsh Run will sponsor a concert by Cor Cymraeg Rehoboth, a Welsh Choir from Delta at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the 1841 (heated) Robert Kennedy Memorial Presbyterian Church located at the intersection of Routes 416 and 995.

Selections in the native language as well as general information concerning Welsh culture will be presented by the members, some of whom will be in Welsh costume.

Guests will be welcomed by the music of bagpiper Les Gift from 1 to 1:50 p.m. in the church yard.

As a result of the inspiring visit of the Pendyrus Male Choir in 1984, members of Rehoboth Welsh Church formed an independent concert choir of their own named Rehoboth Welsh Choir (Côr Cymraeg Rehoboth). The choir has grown and flourished. In 1992 it conducted a concert tour of Wales and won a prize at the prestigious and highly competitive Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales. In 1998 it conducted a concert tour of Wales, England and France, culminating in a concert at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The choir continues to have an active concert schedule.

Rehoboth Welsh Choir (Côr Cymraeg Rehoboth) is a Concert Choir in the tradition of the great performing choirs of the Welsh valleys. The choir sings with joy the music of the faith and culture of Wales and from the rich heritage of classical and modern choral repertoire. It performs a variety of styles in Welsh and other languages, and strives continually for beauty of sound and high quality of performance, under its professional director.

Organized in 1984, Côr Rehoboth was started by members of Rehoboth Welsh Chapel (Capel Cymraeg Rehoboth) in Delta, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Members of the choir come from a wide-ranging area from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and weekly rehearsals are held at a central location. The Choir performs concerts by request, and has entertained audiences throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. These concerts enrich and educate listeners with the depth and beauty of the Welsh language, culture, and choral tradition.

Among the choir's many accomplishments is having been awarded a prize in choral competition at the prestigious Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales in Aberystwyth, Wales, in 1992.

In 1998, the choir conducted a highly successful concert tour of Wales, England, Brittany and France. It performed in four locations in Wales and two in Brittany. It also sang in three cathedrals: Peterborough in England and two in Paris, the American Cathedral and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It received a warm and enthusiastic reception everywhere! All of the choristers had a wonderful and unforgettable time! Here is what one Breton newspaper said: "It will leave strong impressions of its presence, charm and astonishing interpretation. When is their next visit?"

The choir is planning another tour in the summer of 2008. The choir invites singers who would be interested in going on the tour to join it.

For information, call 717- 328-3467 or email mhartman@innernet.net

There is no admission charge. A freewill offering will be taken.