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
Ynysangharad Park home venue of Pontypridd Cricket Club. The park, created in 1923, offers a number of facilities, such as a pitch and putt golf course, bowling greens, football, cricket pitches and tennis courts, bandstand and refreshment kiosks. The lido is being renovated. Within the park are a pair of memorial statues by Goscombe John, erected in 1930 to commemorate Evan and James James, the father and son composers of the Welsh National Anthem "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" (Land of my Fathers). The grave slab of Evan James was also moved here from Carmel Chapel when that chapel was demolished. The memorial