A choir from India delighted residents at a Gwynedd care home when they sang a selection of hymns in Welsh during a visit.
The Mizoram Synod Choir are based in the north-eastern state, an area which has close links with Wales, and were making only their second tour to Wales.
Among the stops made by the 24-strong choir was a visit to Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home on the outskirts of Caernarfon.
During a 45-minute concert they sang a number of songs including popular hymns such as Cwm Rhondda, Diolch i Ti yr Hollalluog Dduw (Thanks for the Gospel) and Calon Lȃn. They sang the latter in Welsh and Mizo and a number of the Bryn Seiont Newydd residents joined in the chorus.
The choir is part of the Mizoram Presbyterian Synod, the largest Christian denomination in Mizoram, northeast India. It was established by Welsh missionaries in the mid nineteenth century.
The choir also sang a song in English called Thank you Wales and responding to a special request, the choir also wished resident Joyce Jones a very happy 86th birthday with a rendition of Happy Birthday.
Conducted by Benjamin Pazawna and accompanied by Benjamin Kaka, they completed their set with a rousing version of the Halleluah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah which was sung in Mizo.
Bryn Seiont Newydd resident Betty Driver enjoyed the singing very much.
“It was very good,” she said.
Retired vicar Richard Jones, 96, from Felinheli near Caernarfon thought the choir’s singing was “wonderful”.
Over tea and biscuits the choir mingled with the residents and spoke with them about their visit to Wales.
Mizoram Synod Choir official Lalruaght Ela said the choir were making their second trip to Wales having made the journey previously more than 40 years ago.
“Wales is a very beautiful country and I have enjoyed the tour very much. The people are so friendly and we have been given a wonderful welcome,” he said.
Leading harpist Eleanor Bennett joined in the concert, playing a selection of Welsh folk tunes on a Celtic harp. Choir members were quick to turn on their mobile phones and take photos and videos of Eleanor playing the instrument.
“It was humbling to hear the choir singing the hymns we know so well in our own language and I really enjoyed playing the harp with them,” she said
Retired cleric Aneurin Owen, from Llansannan in Conwy, has a life-long connection with Mizoram having been born in the area.
His parents, Rev Owen W Owen and his wife Eluned, were missionaries in Mizoram. After returning to Wales he has kept in close contact with people in Mizoram and continues to create bridges between the Presbyterian Church of Wales and the synod in Mizoram.
“The choir arrived in Wales at the beginning of July and have visited the Senedd in Cardiff and sang with the CF1 choir in a concert at Gwaelod y Garth near Pentyrch, Cardiff before travelling north to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod where they sang in a concert.
Bryn Seiont Newydd musician in resident Nia Davies Williams has visited north-eastern India twice in the past 18 months as part of a project to develop musical links between Wales and the region.
“During the first visit I presented a harp in memory of the late Mair Jones (Telynores Colwyn Harpist) and I gave presentations and lessons on the harp to enthusiastic students in Shillong.
“On my second visit I went to two hospital which have a link with Wales – the Gordon Roberts Hospital in Shillong and Norman Tunnel hospital in highlighting how music can contribute to promoting the health and well-being of patients.
“I was very pleased to welcome the choir to Bryn Seiont Newydd and hear their wonderful voices fill the room.
“It was a wonderful occasion because music is at the heart of everything we do at Pendine Park because it is life-enhancing and provides enrichment for residents and staff alike.”
