Music of Wales in the country's national sport of rugby, which in 1905 saw the first singing of a national anthem, Wales's "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", at the start of an international sporting encounter. A tradition of brass bands dating from the Victorian era continues, particularly in the South Wales Valleys, with Welsh bands such as the Cory Band being one of the most successful in the world. The 20th century saw many solo singers from Wales become not only national but international stars. Ivor Novello, who was a singer-songwriter during the First World War. Also, opera-singers such as Geraint Evans and later
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,