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 Thomas Llewelyn of Aberdare won a competition for an unpublished collection of Welsh airs with a collection that included "Glan Rhondda".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
Maesteg Noteworthy mixed choir, and Take Note contemporary vocal group, the most untraditional of the Maesteg choirs. Maesteg Children's Choir hosts many concerts throughout the year, and Curtain Up Youth Theatre has been performing musicals since the turn of the millennium. Maesteg Amateur Operatic Society recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Llynfi Valley Amateur Dramatic Society has been performing plays in Maesteg Town Hall for 35 years. Artist Christopher Williams was born in Maesteg in 1873. Six of his paintings are on display in Maesteg Town Hall. The Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in Maesteg, in