Earlier today [May 3rd] the touring Choir were delighted to perform for the Governor of the Patagonian Province of Chubut, Mario Das Neves in Rawson. The Governor visited the UK from 18 to 22 March. During his trip, he visited Cardiff becoming the first Governor of Chubut to visit Wales.

 

The visit was planned to celebrate the joint heritage between Chubut and Wales. In 1865, 160 Welsh settlers came to Argentina on the tea-clipper The Mimosa and made Chubut their home. The reality of life in Patagonia, a barren and inhospitable place, was to prove extremely challenging for the early settlers. Many faced great poverty and hardship as they struggled to make a living from the land. In time, however, they established their own Welsh-speaking communities where they built chapels and schools.

 

 

Governor Das Neves and Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan inaugurated the portal Glaniad (“landing” in Welsh) which commemorates the visit by the first Welsh settlers and the joint heritage. The Welsh settlers established very good relations with the natives in Chubut showing an example of tolerance. The site was put together by the National Library for Wales and the University of Wales

 

During his visit Governor Das Neves and First Minister Morgan inaugurated an exhibition to commemorate the joint heritage. The exhibition was presented by the Government of Chubut (site in Spanish) at the Cardiff City Hall and showed pieces belonging to the joint heritage including garments worn by the early settlers, photographs and other items.

 

Governor Das Neves was also invited to address the Welsh National Assembly, being the first Governor of Chubut ever to receive this honour which equalled him to the treatment reserved for visiting heads of state. There he was welcomed by Dafydd Elis-Thomas, head of the Welsh National Assembly. The majors of Trevelin, Carlos Mantegna and of Trelew, Gustavo MacKarthy were also part of the official delegation

 

At an official Gala dinner at Caerphilly castle on Tuesday 20 March, Alberto Williams, Director of Culture for Trevelin, sang the Argentine and Welsh National Anthems.

 

At the performance today, the Governor present the Choirs conductor John Asquith with gifts, and expressed his thanks and delight that the Choir were performing in Chubut.

 

The choristers enjoyed the performance greatly and M.D. of Melody Music Mark Burrows said "The Choir is singing to a very high standard and are true Ambassadors for Wales and for Male Voice Chorals singing in general.