Women Creatives: Wales to the World

Join award-winning Welsh composer Katie Jenkins for a special concert and conversation offering an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of Symffoni’r Môr Mawr – A Transatlantic Symphony: a new musical gift from Wales to the United States celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Originally from Pontypridd and now based in New York, Katie Jenkins has created a new 15-minute orchestral work with voices that brings together the two languages and musical traditions of Wales and America. Created with leading Welsh and international artists, the work will be presented to the American people as part of the USA250 commemorations.

This special Hay Festival event will feature a live performance of Weaving Home, one of the work's movements, incorporating words by Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales, alongside music celebrating Welsh talent and women creatives working across the globe.

The event will also include an exclusive screening of the film documenting the making of A Transatlantic Symphony, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the extraordinary international collaboration behind the project. Featuring artists including Sir Bryn Terfel, Ellen Williams, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Côr F1, the Pendyrus Male Choir and acclaimed American pianist Chloe Flower, the film reveals how a musical gift from Wales has been brought to life across continents.

The concert and discussion will expand the conversation beyond the symphony to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of Welsh women and Welsh creative voices internationally — from composers and conductors to dancers, singers, instrumentalists and artistic leaders.

Joining Katie Jenkins on the panel will be an inspiring group of women working at the forefront of music and the performing arts in Wales and the United States, including Shira Samuels-Shragg, Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Symphony; Sophie Williams, Artistic Director of Pointeworks; Nicole Von Enck, Principal Dancer at Texas Ballet Theater; Scarlett Jones, Welsh soprano and Houston Grand Opera artist; and Esther Rothwell, cellist with the Dallas Opera Orchestra. The panel will be moderated by Charlotte Thomas, Deputy Head of North America for the Welsh Government.

The conversation will explore what it means to create across borders, the role of women in shaping today's cultural landscape, the power of collaboration between Wales and America, and how Welsh artists are carrying the nation's distinctive creative voice onto the world stage.

From Wales to Dallas. From Pontypridd to New York. From the Land of Song to the World.

A celebration of Welsh creativity, women shaping the arts, and the cultural connections that bring our nations together.

Images: © Crown Copyright