International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen - Performances
Sat, 6 Jul 2024
William's Blog
You Raise Me Up
Singing, indeed being, at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (LIME) is always a very moving experience for me. I love singing in the Manchester Community Choir anyway but there is something extra special about singing before and after choirs and dancers from many parts of the world. The Eisteddfod was set up in 1947 to promote education, international peace and goodwill through the art of music. It always seems like a curious mix to me of a community-based event (think Welsh cakes, bara brith and male voice choirs) and also singers, choirs, dancers, musicians and food from all over the world – this year there were participants from, among others, Ukraine, Czech Republic, USA, India, Trinidad & Tobago, Philippines, Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa.
Somehow the rain did not really mess things up despite the odd heavy shower! We had a really good set which we sang on two outside stages and in the centre of the town. Our songs included an extraordinary Czech song Okolo which we have only just learnt, about unfaithful love. We defied the rain by singing Lighter than Hydrogen which has the line, I love it when the sun is shining and sometimes it did! Every Brick You Take From The Wall reminded us and our audience of the hard work it takes to make real change and You’re The Voice addresses armed conflict and war which still happens in too many parts of our world. We had the pleasure of singing the Navaho Native American Indian song, In Beauty May I Walk which feels to me like a spiritual and peaceful walking song. Then we sang Rose’s arrangement of the Tears for Fears song, Shout, and then Carly Simon’s Let The River Run with its amazing music and lyrics, let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation. Sounds like a good idea!
We all had a great day and are looking forward to performing at the same event next year.
William West (Bass)
Thanks to our photographer, Peter Topping, for taking some great photos of this event - click on the link below to see the photos.
You Raise Me Up
Singing, indeed being, at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (LIME) is always a very moving experience for me. I love singing in the Manchester Community Choir anyway but there is something extra special about singing before and after choirs and dancers from many parts of the world. The Eisteddfod was set up in 1947 to promote education, international peace and goodwill through the art of music. It always seems like a curious mix to me of a community-based event (think Welsh cakes, bara brith and male voice choirs) and also singers, choirs, dancers, musicians and food from all over the world – this year there were participants from, among others, Ukraine, Czech Republic, USA, India, Trinidad & Tobago, Philippines, Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa.
Somehow the rain did not really mess things up despite the odd heavy shower! We had a really good set which we sang on two outside stages and in the centre of the town. Our songs included an extraordinary Czech song Okolo which we have only just learnt, about unfaithful love. We defied the rain by singing Lighter than Hydrogen which has the line, I love it when the sun is shining and sometimes it did! Every Brick You Take From The Wall reminded us and our audience of the hard work it takes to make real change and You’re The Voice addresses armed conflict and war which still happens in too many parts of our world. We had the pleasure of singing the Navaho Native American Indian song, In Beauty May I Walk which feels to me like a spiritual and peaceful walking song. Then we sang Rose’s arrangement of the Tears for Fears song, Shout, and then Carly Simon’s Let The River Run with its amazing music and lyrics, let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation. Sounds like a good idea!
We all had a great day and are looking forward to performing at the same event next year.
William West (Bass)
Thanks to our photographer, Peter Topping, for taking some great photos of this event - click on the link below to see the photos.
