WORLD-renowned composer Sir Karl Jenkins visited Aberystwyth to present his musical collection to the National Library of Wales recently.

His best-known works include the global ‘cross-genre’ phenomenon Adiemus (1995) and The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace (2000). The latter has been performed over 3,000 times around the globe since its millennium premiere. His recorded output has resulted in 17 gold and platinum disc awards.

During the event, pupils from Ceredigion schools studying Music GSCEs or A-Levels and Aberystwyth University students that had won the music scholarship this year, got the opportunity to meet the composer and ask him questions about his career. Two year 13 pupils from Ysgol Penweddig also performed a duet of Benedictus, composed by Sir Karl, at the event.

Steffan Jones, who performed the duet with Gruffydd Sion, 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.”

At the event, Sir Karl Jenkins said: “I’m Welsh, 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.”

Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Chief Executive at the National Library of Wales added: "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.

“We look forward to making these materials accessible to researchers, musicians and the wider public for generations to come."

Fflur McConnell, studying A-Level Music at Ysgol Aberaeron said: “I really enjoyed the event today and learnt so much about Sir Karl Jenkins that I didn’t know before.

“I’m studying Music A-Levels, and singing Benedictus with Côr Ceredigion at the moment, so it was a very special event for me.”

The collection will now be catalogued by staff at the National Library of Wales and will be available for the public to view early in 2027.