March 2007
St David's Day events throughout the world
St David’s Day was celebrated throughout the world. Welsh chefs, actors, artists, garderners, academics and movie makers took part in festivals celebrating the best of contemporary Wales in observance of St David’s Day (march 1st) honouring the country’s patron St.
In Brussels First Minister Rhodri Morgan hosted a reception on February 26th to begin a series of events featuring some of the best food and drink Wales had to offer and highlighting Wales growing profile in the European Union.
Said First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, “St David’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, and provides Welsh food and drink producers with a tremendous opportunity to show what a vibrant and exciting industry we have and the quality and diversity of products available.”
Amongst other worldwide celebrations in Japan Cymdeithas Dewi Sant, an organisation comprising of Welsh living in Japan and Japanese alumnus of Wales, hosted a Wales day. In Chongqing the Welsh Assembly Government held a week long series of events to celebrate the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. In Sichuan the Creativity in education Exhibition hosted by the Sichuan Institute of Fine Arts and UWICs Cardiff School of Art and Design was previewed especially ahead of it’s April opening.
One of the most prestigious celebrations took place in the US where the Wales Week in New York event included a Welsh food festival, viewing of Welsh film and television, a performance of La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera conducted by Carlo Rizzo the Director of the Welsh National Opera, a concert in the British Memorial Garden featured Mal Pope and the Trinity Chamber Choir and exhibitions of Welsh art.
Many fascinating political and business lectures and discussions took place including the First Minister Rhodri Morgan presenting a lecture on Devolution, Statehood and New Europe at Columbia University.
The week in New York concluded with the Empire State Building shining with the Welsh colours of red, green and white.
Trinity College Carmarthen were selected to represent Wales during the week. During the concert at the British memorial Garden, Trinity’s Kevin Matherick and Kathleen Adnum provided readings of the work of Dylan Thomas and Principal Dr Medwin Hughes launched the Welsh American Academy, an organisation established to promote the close cultural, historical and educational links that exist between Wales and North America. The Academy also aims to provide opportunities for Welsh performers and artists to gain exposure in the USA as well as to provide scholarships to enable American students and academics to experience cultural, educational and social life in Wales.
In addition, the Trinity Chamber Choir, under the baton of musical director Eilir Owen Griffiths, performed at Trinity Church on Wall Street.
“Trinity College is very pleased to be chosen to represent Wales at this celebratory event” said Principal Dr Medwin Hughes. “It is an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent of our students and staff. The College is commitment to providing bilingual education and training for the creative industries in Wales, and to promote the talent and skills of Welsh artists to an international audience.”