Wales is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a unique cultural gift – a specially commissioned orchestral work celebrating the historic ties between the two nations.
AS THE United States commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Welsh Government has unveiled Symffoni’r Môr Mawr – A Transatlantic Symphony, a new 15-minute orchestral work by award-winning Welsh composer Katie Jenkins.
Originally from Pontypridd and now based in New York, Jenkins has composed the piece in both Welsh and English as a celebration of the enduring relationship between Wales and the United States. The work will be presented to the American people as part of the USA250 commemorations.
Inspired by the tradition of symbolic gifts exchanged between nations, the project follows in the spirit of France’s gift of the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886. Wales’ contribution reflects its identity as the “Land of Song”, using music to tell the story of a friendship that has developed across the Atlantic over generations.
The symphony unfolds across three movements, charting the journey of Welsh settlers to America, celebrating the shared musical and cultural traditions of both countries, and looking towards a future built on community, heritage and renewal.
The recording brings together some of Wales’ most celebrated performers alongside international talent, including opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, Grammy Award-winning pianist Chloe Flower, National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Pendyrus Male Voice Choir, CF1 x Côr Ifor Bach and award-winning soprano Ellen Williams.
The project has been led by the Welsh Government’s North America office and was announced by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth as part of Wales’ contribution to the USA250 celebrations.
The work will be recorded later this month at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff before receiving its official presentation at the historic Coolidge Auditorium in the Library of Congress, Washington DC, on September 1.
Nicholas Brown-Cáceres, Chief of the Library of Congress Music Division, described the commission as “a poignant and fitting tribute” to Wales’ musical traditions and their lasting influence on American culture.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said the project reflected the strong bond between the two nations.
She said: “The connections between Wales and the USA have been built across many generations through language, hymns and culture. Symffoni’r Môr Mawr brings that shared history to life through the talents of some of Wales’ finest artists and shows a Wales that is confident, creative and proud of its enduring friendship with America.”
Composer Katie Jenkins said the work was deeply personal, reflecting both her Welsh roots and her life in New York.
She said: “Although I now live in New York, coming home to Wales always grounds me. This piece reflects the two worlds that have shaped me and tells the story of those who left Wales in search of a new life, capturing both the sadness of leaving home and the hope of new beginnings.
“It is an honour to create something that will be shared with the American people, and I hope it celebrates the friendship between Wales and the United States while giving audiences a sense of the Wales I know and love.”
Organisers say the symphony celebrates the rich Welsh-American story while showcasing contemporary Welsh creativity on the international stage. Blending the traditions of Welsh choral music with the energy of American musical influences, the work aims to create a lasting symbol of the cultural ties that continue to connect both nations.
