Ebenezer

“Ebenezer” was composed in 1896 and first published in 1897. It was named after Ebenezer Chapel in Rhos, Pontardawe, Wales but is sometimes alternately referred to as Ton-y-Botel (English: Tune in a Bottle), due to a whimsical myth suggesting its discovery in a bottle. Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams considered it one of the greatest hymn tunes ever written.

Thomas John Williams (1869 - 1944), was born in Ynysmeudwy, Glamorganshire, Wales. He earned an Associate degree at the Tonic Sol-Fa College (A.T.S.C.) in 1897 and served as organist at Mount Elim Chapel in Pontardawe from 1888 to 1903. During this time he additionally worked as an engine stoker and as a hewer (digger) in a coal mine. From 1903 to 1911, Williams served as organist at Zion Chapel in Llanelli while transitioning to a career in the insurance business. He maintained an insurance career throughout his tenure as organist at Calfaria Chapel in Llanelli from 1913 to 1931.

Ben Lahring (b. 1986) is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. Additionally, he is the classical guitar instructor at Ambrose University. From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations. As a performer-composer, his album Driftwood was reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). Lahring counts among his composition teachers Dr. Heva Chan in Sydney, Australia, and Drs. Laurie Radford and Allan Bell in Calgary, Canada.