Societies

A talk on one of Wales' most celebrated harpists, writer of music and collectors of Welsh airs.

In 1858 he won the prize at the Llangollen Eisteddfod for the best collection of unpublished Welsh airs, including Glan Rhondda.

The adjudicator of the competition, "Owain Alaw" asked for permission to include Glan Rhondda in his publication, Gems of Welsh Melody (1860–64).

This volume gave Glan Rhondda its more famous title, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

At the opening service of the ‘new build’ Hen Dŷ Cwrdd, in 1862 ( Hen Dŷ Cwrdd is the oldest nonconformist chapel in Trecynon, Llewelyn Alaw is buried there) a bespoke version of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was played.

This is noted in the 1862 Ymofynydd (Unitarian denominational magazine).