At the end of August 2016, Côr y Gleision travelled to Belgium as part of their ten-year anniversary celebrations, holding  cathedral concerts in Bruges and Ghent, and also performing in the ‘Last Post’ ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The choir also visited cemeteries as part of the 100 year commemorations of the Great War.

Musical Director, Richard Vaughan, said: ‘It was a great honour to perform at such prestigious venues as the cathedrals. The audiences’ reactions were magnificent, and the choir thoroughly enjoyed the experiences’.

Richard had composed a piece of music especially for the tour, to the words of ‘Rhyfel’ (War), a poem written by the Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, who was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. Performing this poignant piece at both concerts was a privilege, and having the opportunity to sing it at Hedd Wyn’s graveside was an emotional experience that will long live in the memory.

The choir and guests were also able to explore and enjoy the wonderful Belgian culture and hospitality at all three locations, as a fitting climax to the anniversary celebrations.