The “Bards of Wales” project came to fruition last night with a performance of the world premier of Karl Jenkins’ cantata at the Palace of Arts. Almost all 1800 seats were full and the audience (including President Schmitt) gave the work a rapturous reception. British Minister David Jones of the Welsh Office visited Hungary for the event and read out a message of greetings from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, patron of the project, in Welsh.
As a half-Welshman, it was a matter of personal pride that this inter-cultural event proved so popular. Unusually, the Welsh flag flew outside the venue (it is normally seen in Budapest just once a year outside the British Embassy on St David’s Day). And no one can recall the Welsh anthem being sung here at such a high level. Singing this in Welsh and reading an Hungarian translation of His Royal Highness’ message may have tested my linguistic skills to destruction!