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Diving into the heart of Welsh culture: International student Yingzi Song’s journey to the National Eisteddfod
Imagine a festival so rich in culture and tradition that it transforms a different part of Wales each year into a vibrant hub of music, art, and storytelling. Welcome to the National Eisteddfod, Europe’s largest celebration of all things Welsh.
Every year, our students, graduates, and staff perform, compete, and fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival. Among them was RWCMD voice graduate, Yingzi Song, who made waves in the Soprano Over 25 category, winning 3rd place performing in Welsh and embracing the language and culture with open arms.
We spoke with Yingzi about her unforgettable experiences at the Eisteddfod, competing on a grand stage and its celebration that welcomes everyone who wishes to dive deep into its traditions.
From Shanghai to Wales
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China, I’ve always loved singing ever since I can remember. When I was 14, I came across Welsh music and I became a huge fan of the iconic Charlotte Church. That moment sparked a fascination with Welsh music, so I learned my first Welsh song, ‘Suo Gan’, and performed it on my 18th Birthday.
My connection to Wales deepened over the years. Between 2015 and 2019, I made three trips to Cardiff to experience the Cardiff Singer of the World competition. Each visit left me more captivated by the city, especially the beautiful campus of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. During this time, I was taking singing lessons online with a teacher from the UK, and they encouraged me to explore master’s course at UK conservatoires. Without hesitation, I knew RWCMD was where I wanted to be.
Immersing in the Hiraeth
As someone who grew up speaking Mandarin and the Shanghainese dialect, I’ve always been aware of how fragile languages can be. In Shanghai, I’ve seen my own dialect slowly fade and I was inspired by how passionately the Welsh people protect their language, heritage, and culture. Soon after joining RWCMD, eager to embrace the culture around me, I started learning Welsh online when I found a fellow Shanghainese and linguist, Morwenna Tang, had made a series of Welsh teaching videos on her Bilibili channel.
My journey into Welsh culture blossomed into something much more when I began engaging with local charities and back in Shanghai, I wanted to share what I had learned with my home city. I organized a concert with another RWCMD grad where we performed pieces in multiple languages. The highlight for me was singing my favourite Welsh song, ‘Mae Hiraeth yn y Môr’ by Dilys Elwyn-Edwards. I’ve also had the chance to perform Welsh songs in Welsh venues: the Cardiff Story Museum, the Old Library, and even St. Fagans National History Museum. Each of these performances was a unique experience that deepened my connection to Wales and its people.
Learning Welsh has opened a whole new world for me. It’s not just about the language; it’s about appreciating the rich culture, the breath-taking landscapes, and the warmth of the Welsh people. I love how welcoming they are to those of us who are eager to learn. Even though my Welsh speaking is still very basic, I’ve found that people are always patient and genuinely appreciative of my efforts.
From a spark of curiosity… discovering the Eisteddfod
I first heard about the festival from Morwenna’s videos and a Q&A session at the College revealed that my one-year residence in Wales made me eligible to compete. The idea of participating in a cultural event was immediately fascinating to me. I knew I could sing in Welsh, but I didn’t realise just how challenging it would be to compete in a high-profile Welsh setting as a non-native speaker.
The thought of possibly being the first non-Welsh singing competitor in the National Eisteddfod’s history was both daunting and thrilling but the opportunity was too exciting to pass up. I’m deeply grateful to my vocal coaches, Rhiannon Pritchard and Caradog Williams, for their unwavering support. They made it possible for me to take this leap into the unknown and embrace the challenge of competing in the National Eisteddfod.
For my Welsh song choice, I choose ‘Lower him Gently’ from Five Settings of Poems by Idris Davies. I stumbled upon this emotional piece last year during a workshop organised by the vocal department to introduce students to Mansel Thomas and his works and it deeply moved me. This song, about a young soldier being laid to rest, struck a chord and I knew it was a hidden gem. I’m incredibly grateful for the music resources and exploration sessions provided by the vocal department and thrilled to be the first to perform it publicly, which felt like a special honour.
Taking to the stage
Participating in the Eisteddfod was the best decision I've made this year with regards to my musical career. From the stunning setting to the glamorous Pafiliwn stage, every aspect of the festival was breath-taking.
I was especially honoured to have my musical inspirations, Rebecca Evans CBE and Elin Manahan Thomas, among the prestigious panel of judges. When they praised my Welsh with the feedback, 'Geirio clir a cligion o egni' (Clear diction and great energy), it felt like a huge validation.
I still can’t quite believe that my performance was broadcast on TV—and looked so professional! Winning a prize in the Welsh singing competition was beyond anything I could have imagined, particularly as a non-Welsh, Chinese native. I had never heard of someone like me winning before, and I was thrilled to have made history in a small way.
I would encourage everyone to participate as there are so many benefits. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet your idols, learn from fellow competitors, and immerse yourself in a supportive environment that celebrates music and culture. So why not take part?
You have everything to gain.
