Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau festival of 1858. Thomas Llewelyn of Aberdare won a competition for an unpublished collection of Welsh airs with a collection that included "Glan Rhondda". The adjudicator of the competition, "Owain Alaw" (John Owen, 1821–83) asked for permission to include "Glan Rhondda" in his publication, "Gems of Welsh melody" (1860–64). This volume gave "Glan Rhondda" its more famous title, "Hen wlad fy nhadau", and was sold in large quantities and ensured the popularity of the anthem across the whole of Wales. At the Bangor Eisteddfod of 1874 "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" gained further popularity when it was sung by Robert Rees
John Owen (Owain Alaw) "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"). Owen continued to compose, perform and adjudicate in his later years, while also editing and contributing to several collections of Welsh music and poetry that were published in the 1860s and 1870s, including "Tonau yr Ysgol Sabothol" and "Y Gyfres Gerddorol". Of his own works, several songs appeared in "Y Gyfres Gerddorol" and other collections. His oratorio "Jeremiah" was published in 1878. John Owen died on 29 January 1883 at the age of 61, and was buried in Chester. John Owen (Owain Alaw) John Owen, also known by his bardic name Owain Alaw Pencerdd (November 14,