"Original version written in Welsh and translated to English by Elyned Robling" Sometimes through the eyes of a stranger one can truly recognize your culture and your own songs. On a lovely summer evening, July 16th of this year, I went to see the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir performing at the invitation of Pendyrus Male Voice Choir in Soar Chapel, Pontygwaith in the Rhondda Fach. I must admit that I went only because my uncle Peter from Ontario is a member of the choir and my Uncle Micheal from further away in Sweden was a guest member. I did not expect such an excellent evening. I was pleasantly disappointed. We had an evening of a variety of songs - traditional airs from Canada, classic gospel and smattering of popular tunes. We must say the highlight of the concert was the old hymns of the 14th and 15th centuries. According to the international histories of the Norman Davies, these hymns are amongst the chief, little-known treasurers of Europe. And to hear a choir from overseas treasuring and enjoying them I was completely convinced of this. Chiefly for this reason-there are four or five of these works without any Welsh representation at all. Seeing foreigners sing the old hymns with conviction and perfect harmony was wonderful. It gave me a brief look at some other wonderful worlds where Welsh holds sway occasionally. Lots of people come here to imitate our culture and to enhance it. Not 'Cymru Fydd' (Wales will be) so much as, 'The World Will be.' We saw a soloist of very high standard singing a few pieces. To crown it all, William Woloschuk, a talented young man, was the conductor of the choir. He received his classical music education in Canada, Kiev and the University in Graz and delights in our Welsh Nonconformist music. After the show we went across to the Independent Club in Dolgwilym Street and were given a warm welcome there. Thanks to the men from Toronto were given by Ann Crimmings from Aberdare, Mayor of the County Brough. And here was the second shock of the evening. In introducing the Chief Citizen, a delegate from Pendyrus Choir said several flattering, witty remarks about her. Here was the response: My daughters would be 'crazy about him', said my uncle Michael from Sweden.