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
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