United in song, bridged by a love of music, Pontypridd, Wales and Denver, Colorado became one with the arrival of Cor Meibion Pontypridd, the Pontypridd Male Choir. Several members of the Colorado Welsh Society and the Young Voices Choir gathered at Denver International Airport early Thursday evening, October 14, 1999, to welcome our visitors. (Many of them brought their wives.) For many of them, this was their first trip to the United States. Some stayed at the downtown Denver Mariott Hotel, others enjoyed the hospitality of Colorado Welsh Society and Young Voices members.

      On Friday they enjoyed a tour of the foothills west of Denver, visiting Buffalo Bill's Grave, stopping at an overlook along I-70 to see a herd of buffalo and to see what they could of the view of the high country. On a sunny day, this is a gorgeous view; that Friday was foggy due to a storm coming in. From there they went to Evergreen, where they enjoyed browsing and shopping, and no doubt a visit to the Little Bear, a local bar. Then they went to Red Rocks, a very beautiful natural amphitheater bordered by towering rocks. Many different concerts take place here during the warmer months. It is very easy to imagine the beauty of the voices of Cor Meibion Pontypridd blending with these surroundings.

      That evening the choir and their wives were treated to a delicious dinner at Columbine United Church. The host families and Colorado Welsh Society Board were also invited.

Those of us who helped serve had a great time, and some of us enjoyed speaking a bit of Welsh with those choir members who know the language. Following dinner, our guests joined us in singing some well-known Welsh hymns. All in all a lovely day.

      Saturday, October 16, our visitors enjoyed seeing various sights around downtown Denver. We were sorry the weather wasn't nicer - that storm decided to visit that day as well, bringing some snow with it.

No one seemed to mind though, the welcome the choir received more than made up for the weather.

      That evening Pillar of Fire Church could have been a chapel or a town hall in Wales. Despite the weather, we had a near sell-out crowd. The choir displayed their versatility, singing several well known Welsh songs, including Unwaith Eto Yng Nghymru Annwyl and Ar Hyd y Nos, various hymns, songs from operas, and popular songs. Many of us found their rendition of "Perhaps Love" to be a beautiful tribute to songwriter John Denver. The program also included soprano Siriol Williams. Siriol is Welsh for "cheerful;" in displaying her wonderful sense of humor, Ms. Williams shared her own cheerfulness. Her beautiful voice as she sang in Welsh of dear Wales transported the audience to that lovely land; her rendition of "Ave Maria" filled many with emotion.

      Also as part of the program, the Young Voices of Colorado concert choir delighted the audience. These young people prove that music is still very much alive. They sang three songs by themselves, and also joined Cor Meibion Pontypridd for the final number of the evening, the very moving "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Following this, everyone joined in singing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" and "The Star Spangled Banner."

      A few days of song, of fellowship. A lifetime of friendships formed and a bridge between Pontypridd, Wales and Denver, Colorado.