How Buenos Aires embraced Bryn Terfel

How Buenos Aires embraced Bryn Terfel

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norman lebrecht

September 19, 2018

A few days ago, after the Welsh baritone’s debut at Teatro Colón, fans began singing Welsh songs as he was signing autographs. Bryn, never missing a beat, joined in, singing as he signed.

Watch.

Who knew there were so many Welsh in Argentina?

Earlier:

Comments

  • Brian says:

    This reminds me of when I was at La Scala in July 2008. A group of Basque girls gathered at the artists’ entrance afterwards to sing a Basque song for Ainhoa Arteta, who had just sang a great Musetta. I don’t recall whether she joined in, but everyone was really moved.

  • MWnyc says:

    Who knew there were Welsh in Argentina? I’m certainly not the only one who did.

    https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofWales/The-History-of-Patagonia/

    • James says:

      Right – many people knew 🙂 I certainly heard about it when I visited Buenos Aires, and I never went near Patagonia. Pretty sure Bryn Terfel will have known about it too…

      • Maggie says:

        Thanks for sharing this, Norman! As far as I know, those fans are part of the welsh community of Paragonia, and came to Buenos Aires especially to attend Terfel’s recital.

    • John Rook says:

      There’s quite a community in Patagonia. If my memory serves me right, a few years ago, a girl from one of the Welsh villages there applied for and received funding to come to Wales and study the language and culture. The concept was too outrageous for UK Borders, who refused her entry. I may have some of the details wrong, but that was broadly what happened.

      • Elizabeth Owen says:

        It’s our only colony!

        The people of Wales send someone over every year to help with Welsh lessons and one Patagonian,or more, usually come to the annual National Eisteddfod. They get a huge round of applause and can only speak Spanish and Welsh. It’,s not unusual to come across someone with mixed names like say Blodwen Gonzales or Diego Jones.

  • Alan says:

    I heard a recital by Bryn 10 (or more) years ago in San Francisco.
    He was so engaging, musically communicative, and just so GENUINE.
    Not to mention his gorgeous voice!
    His encore was “Roses of Picardy”. I cried like a baby.
    One of my most memorable concert-going experiences.
    Bravo, Bryn! Long may you sing!

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