One of the world’s most performed living composers has donated his musical archive to the National Library of Wales.
Sir Karl Jenkins, celebrated for his cross-genre compositions and international acclaim, personally presented the collection during a visit to Aberystwyth on November 10.
Among his best-known works are Adiemus (1995) and The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace (2000), which has been performed more than 3,000 times worldwide since its premiere.
During the event, Sir Karl said: "I’m Wesh, my roots are here, and therefore The National Library of Wales seemed like the proper home for my collection.
"The National Library of Wales plays such an important part in the history of Wales, it felt like the right place to house my archive, among the works of other Welsh composers such as Alun Hoddinott and Williams Mathias."
The event also gave students from Ceredigion schools, Aberystwyth University music scholars, and GCSE and A-level music students the chance to meet Sir Karl, ask questions about his career, and listen to performances of his work.
Two year 13 pupils from Ysgol Penweddig, Steffan Jones and Gruffydd Sion, performed a duet of Sir Karl’s piece Benedictus.
Mr Jones said: "It was a very special experience and a great honor to perfom Benadictus at the event with Sir Karl Jenkins today.
"We also enjoyed getting the opportunity to ask him questions and learn more about the art of composing from such a great master."
Sir Karl has received 17 gold and platinum disc awards for his recorded work.
Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, chief executive of the National Library of Wales, said: "It is a great honour to welcome Sir Karl Jenkins's musical collection to the National Library of Wales.
"Sir Karl's work has reached audiences across the globe and established him as one of the most performed and widely celebrated living composers of our time.
"This generous gift ensures that the story of his remarkable creative career becomes part of Wales's national memory.
"From annotated scores and concert programmes to photographs and promotional material, the collection offers a unique insight into the development of works that have touched millions of people around the world."
The archive will now be catalogued by library staff and is expected to be made available to the public in early 2027.
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