Sunday
Afternoon with Gwilym Gwent
"William Aubrey
Williams, better known by his Welsh surname of Gwilym
Gwent, a musical genius who spent the creative years of his life in
Wyoming Valley while becoming internationally famous as a composer,
will be honored by the Plymouth Historical Society and the Orpheus
Society of Wyoming Valley in a music program on
Sunday, August 29, 2010, 2-4 p.m.
at the PHS building, 115 Gaylord Avenue, Plymouth, PA.
Gwilym Gwent conducted the first brass band at Wilkes-Barre, and the
Gwent Glee Society was named in his honor. This famous chorus in years
gone by represented Wyoming Vally in many national contests.
Williams composed more than 200 selections, scrawling many of his
scores in chalk on the sides of trams in coal mines, and on pit props
in the coal face, where, as a young man, he worked in the Nottingham Colliery
in Plymouth. He won medals in national competitions in 1859, 1867,
1871, and 1877.
Gwilym Gwent was born in nanty-Glo, South Wales, July 28, 1834, and
came to this country in 1865, making his home in Plymouth. He died
there July 3, 1891, and was buried in Hollenback Cemetery, where a
monument was erected and unveiled in August 1895.
The Orpheus Choral Society of Wilkes-Barre is a 90-year-old choral
group whose concerts are a blend of secular and religious music,
including pop and show tunes. They have generously consented to
performing several of Gwent's most beloved compositions.
Members of the current Orpheus Choral Society, first row, are Carol
Anstett, director; Betty Jones, assistant director; Evans; and Susan
Lauer, accompanist. Second row: board members Gary Phillips; Lohman;
Richard Harring; Peggy Dwyer; and MaryKay Dineen, librarian.
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