Geraint Wilkes returns for Welsh concert

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By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)

Friday, February 22, 2008

For 120 years, the Welsh have been celebrating their patron saint, St. David, with a concert in Emporia. This year, the St. David’s Day Concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. March 2 at the Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus (formerly Westminster) at 1702 W. 15th Ave. This free event is sponsored by the St. David’s Society of the State of Kansas and is held the first Sunday in March. The actual St. David’s Day is March 1, the anniversary of his death.

The church grounds will be decorated with an array of daffodils and the Welsh flag will be displayed. The congregation will open the concert by singing the American and Welsh national anthems. Pastors Mike Sorsen and Gary Gooszen will give the invocation and benediction, respectively. The traditional Welsh piece, “We’ll Keep a Welcome,” will open the program. Don Roberts, president of the St. David’s Society, will give remarks and introductions.

Welsh tenor Geraint Wilkes, formerly of Aberystwyth, Wales, will conduct his 16th Emporia concert. Wilkes will perform two solos and other special music will be performed by a small group and counter-tenor, Dylan Evans. The accompanist for the concert is organist and pianist, Diane McCarty.

The heart of the concert is the St. David’s Chorus which includes Welsh and non-Welsh participants who are faithful to the continuation of this longtime tradition.

There will be a reception after the concert with bara brith and tea served by the Presbyterian Women in Fellowship Hall. Welsh memorabilia will be on display. “Our Welsh Heritage” and Welsh-American hymnals may be purchased.

St. David’s Society officers for the coming year are Shirley Thomas, president; Deb Childers, vice president; Marilyn Hoy, secretary; and Tom Fowler, treasurer.