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Jeanne Jones Jindra, Director, Madog Center for Welsh Studies
When the ten second-year Welsh exchange students to the University of Rio Grande arrived in late January, 2008, from Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales, they brought a new level of Welsh dynamic with them to a recently expanded Theater Exchange Program between the two institutions. Students have exchanged since 2002, but this was the first year for Trinity to send a group focused on performance.
As the students settled into student life in their adopted country, they began to gear up for their involvement in “Wales Week” festivities in New York City the last week of February.* Carys Davies and Rhian Jones described New York City as “an amazing place” and admitted to being a bit overwhelmed by the size.
Upon their return to rural southern Ohio, the students began performing for local school and community organizations in the area. Their singing reputation spread and the phone began to ring at the Madog Center requesting engagements. Everyone wanted to hear the ten beautiful and talented performers from Wales. The Trinity students were especially pleased to be able to help organize a benefit concert held in Oak Hill Schools for a student diagnosed with cancer. Sian Price served as the designated Master of Ceremonies for the choir and did an excellent job narrating the show. “Join Hands for Janie” raised over $1000 for a worthy cause.
“New Worlds” was performed in Granville in early April, an event that was co-sponsored by the Welsh Society of Central Ohio and the Granville Historical Society.*
As the term spring ended at the University of Rio Grande and the Trinity students prepared to return home to Wales, it seemed at first glance that the events surrounding the entire exchange experience had been highly orchestrated between Trinity College and the Madog Center. But a closer look revealed that the program took on a life of its own, fueled by the intense Welsh pride and spirit of ten young people who were so proud to represent their country as ambassadors. Ifan Gwilym-Jones admitted that, while he would be happy to be home, he really did not want to leave. All agreed that the chance to study abroad was “life-changing,” especially being in an area rich with Welsh culture and heritage. These ten students have now become part of the network that links Wales and Ohio even more closely.
* see separate article
Jeanne Jones Jindra, Director, Madog Center for Welsh Studies
The ten students from Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales, who were spring exchange students at the University of Rio Grande in southern Ohio, traveled to New York City the last week of February to participate in activities for “Wales Week in NYC 2008”.
On February 23, 2008, the students flew to NYC to meet with five other students from the Trinity Chamber Choir and Director Eilir Owen Griffith, along with lecturers Iestyn Lloyd and Euros Evans from Trinity, Principal Dr. Medwin Hughes, and Head of Faculty Kevin Matherick who also joined the group for the week of Welsh celebration. Two main events, a two-night performance of the play “New Worlds” and the chamber choir’s lunchtime performance in St. Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Church on Wall Street, were highlights of the week. However the group was busy the entire week with many other events.
The students jumped right into the fast pace of the Big Apple on Sunday by seeing Sunday in the Park at Studio 54 in the afternoon and then visiting the “Top of the Rock” that evening. After the noon concert at Trinity Church on Monday, the 8 Performing Arts students ran through a dress rehearsal of “New Worlds” at the Producer’s II Club on 9th Avenue. On Tuesday morning the students all visited the Bard High School and the United Nations International School in the NYC area to promote the play and to perform as a choir. Then the Performing Arts students gave the first performance of “New Worlds” that evening to a full house. The play received excellent audience reviews both nights.
Wednesday was “Wales on Wall Street” day with the choir performing at Federal Hall. The Wales International Office through Catrin Brace had arranged a Welsh exhibition in the hall and many took advantage of the noontime concert to listen to the talented performers. After singing in the beautiful art deco lobby of the Chrysler Building on Thursday, the students took time off to see the stage play “Wicked.” They wrapped up the whirlwind week by performing at the St David’s Society Dinner at the Yale Club.
All of the Trinity students agreed that their participation in “Wales Week in NYC” activities and events was an outstanding way to celebrate St. David’s Day.
“Praise the Lord! We are a musical nation.”
Dylan Thomas 1914-53; Under Milk Wood
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“How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,
O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer through the woods,
How often has my spirit turned to thee!”
William Wordsworth 1770-1850
Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey
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