A Rhondda vicar who has spent the past decade bringing music back into the community, has set himself a national challenge – to revive community hymn singing across the whole of Wales.
Father Paul Bigmore, vicar of Ynyshir, wants to rekindle the dying spirit of what was once the highlight of church and chapel life – the “Cymanfa Ganu” – an annual celebration of congregational hymn singing.
He’s being supported by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, who will launch the scheme at a grand service next Sunday (Sept 18) at Father Paul’s church, St Anne’s, Ynyshir.
Hundreds of people are expected to join in and they will be expertly guided through a range of Welsh and English traditional and modern hymns by two of Wales’ most experienced musicians – organist Huw Tregelles Williams and conductor Alwyn Humphries. Local children of Cor Y Cwm will also take part.
Following the launch, Fr Paul plans to stage two Cymanfa Ganu’s every year – one in North Wales (in Bangor Cathedral next Spring) and one in the South. There will also be a training day for young conductors and organists to pass on the skill of conducting this particular form of community singing.
The scheme is the latest development of the Music in the Community initiative, which was set up by Father Paul 13 years ago to bring music back into people’s lives by encouraging them to perform and by bringing concerts to their doorsteps. It has been hugely successful – reaching out to an estimated 30,000 people over the years and establishing links between the Rhondda and professional musicians at Canterbury Cathedral.
Hymn-singing, says Father Paul, himself the composer of no fewer than 75 hymns, is part of our Welsh DNA. “Music brings people together. When we hear great hymns our spines tingle – whether they are sung in Sunday services or performed with a modern twist by artists such as Only Men Aloud. They are part of our identity and culture and we need to rekindle that spirit before it dies out.
“This I hope is the beginning of a revival of Cymanfa Ganu’s in Wales – a celebration of our treasure trove of hymns in both Welsh and English and a chance to discover and provide a platform for new talent and modern hymns.”
Archbishop Barry said, “There is a wonderful warmth and joy when people come together to sing hymns that have resonated down the generations and are now so much more than just words and music.
“The Cymanfa Ganu was a real festival of singing which brought the community together. There is still very much a place in Wales for that and I hope this make-over by Fr Paul will give it a new lease of life.”
During the service on Sunday, Archbishop Barry will launch a CD compilation of hymns composed by Father Paul.
Songs From the Heart is a collection of 12 new traditional hymns and includes three with special dedications – one to the Archbishop of Canterbury, one to the Archbishop of Wales and one to Michael Sheen’s grandfather, Charlie, a former choirmaster and lay reader of St Paul’s Church, Aberavon , who inspired Father Paul when he was growing up in Aberavon.
Peace Perfect Peace, dedicated to Dr Rowan Williams, has been arranged as an anthem by Dr David Flood, choirmaster and organist at Canterbury Cathedral. Body of Christ, dedicated to Dr Barry Morgan and his wife Hilary, has been arranged by the award-winning composer, Thomas Hewitt Jones.
The hymns are sung by the Hiraeth Singers.
Father Paul said, “These are modern traditional hymns and anthems which today’s congregations and choirs will pick up easily and hopefully enjoy. I believe music enhances and empowers our worship.”
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said, “Father Paul is a talented composer and this is a splendid collection of hymns which I recommend to congregations who enjoy singing.”
The Music in the Community / Archbishop of Wales’ Hymn Singing Opportunity initiative will be launched at St Anne’s Church on September 18 at 3pm. Tickets cost £5 and all proceeds will go to the Archbishop of Wales’ Training Fund for Ministry and the Parish of Ynyshir.
