HISTORY will repeat itself in Bow Street later this month when a concert that first took place 100 years ago is recreated.

It was on 16 February, 1916, that an Evening Concert was held at Capel y Garn to raise funds for the Red Cross Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Taking part in the concert were a mix of locals and Belgian refugees.

Early in October 1914, nearly 100 refugees from Belgium were warmly welcomed by the people of the Aberystwyth area, who gave them refuge in the town and surrounding villages.

According to a report in the Cambrian News at the time, there were teachers, musicians and professional artists of renown among them.

“It is stated that the adults are distinguished professional teachers, musicians, and painters of a high station in life”, the article explained.

Top performers

One of those was violinist Nicolas Laoureux, who taught at the Brussels Conservatoire of Music and was highly regarded for developing playing techniques.

It is clear from the newspapers that music had been very important during their stay here, with a number of concerts having been held in the various communities with both local people and the Belgians taking part. On 16 February, 1916 it was the turn of Capel y Garn to host.

Fortunately, the programme from that evening has survived. The evening was not only memorable because of the programme and the artistes, but also because local poet and journalist Dewi Morgan delivered a vote of thanks in French - one of several languages in which he was self taught.

A repeat show?

Refugees are now being welcomed again, but this time from Syria. So, on 16 February, an Evening Concert will take place at Capel y Garn once again, under the auspices of the Remembrance and Reflection Project. The project has been initiated by chapels and churches in north Ceredigion, who organised a highly acclaimed exhibition which toured local communities in the autumn of 2014 focussing on the effect of the Great War on the local area.

The concert will commemorate the exact anniversary of the concert held a century ago and will also raise money for the Red Cross. The performance of singing, recitation and instrumental items will replicate as much as possible the programme that was presented in that very first concert, but performed by local artistes on this occasion. Dr Rhian Davies, director of the Gregynog Festival, will talk about the background of the expatriate Belgian musicians. This is particularly appropriate given that the Davies sisters of Gregynog were among those instrumental in ensuring that the Belgians found refuge in mid Wales. Siôn Meredith will also discuss the efforts of various charitable associations to alleviate the suffering of people living in the shadow of war in present times.

Rev Wyn Morris, minister of Capel y Garn, said: “Following the opportunity given by the exhibition a short time ago, the marking of the historic concert not only enables us to contemplate the horrendous effects of war in so many ways but also especially relevant in our times and our contemporary world. It is a time for reflection.

“Everyone is welcome to attend the concert, which will begin at 7.30pm.”