Welsh/Cornish/Breton Regional Anthem for Symphony Orchestra

1. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was composed by father and son Evan James and James James in 1856.

From Pontypridd, Evan and James composed Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in January 1856 and the original manuscript can be found at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

A statue honouring the father and son now stands in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd.

2. It was written as a declaration of love and loyalty to Wales.

The emotionally charged lyrics are believed to have been written in response to Evan's brother urging him to leave Wales. He had recently emigrated to the United States for a new life and wanted Evan to join him.

The lyrics reference bards, poets, and singers, the protection and endurance of the Welsh language, Wales' landscape, and those who have died for Welsh freedom.

3. The original title was Glan Rhondda – meaning Banks of the Rhondda.

Pontypridd sits at the junction of the Rhondda and Taff/Cynon valleys, where the Rhondda runs into the Taff river. The younger James was a harpist who played in local inns around his home town and according to one story of how the song was composed, he came up with the tune during a walk along the riverbank.

On his return home, he asked his father to come up with lyrics to go with it and by the next day, Evan had written three verses.

4. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was performed for the first time at the vestry of Tabor Chapel, Maesteg by 16-year-old Elizabeth John.

Just a week after its composition, it was performed by the local singer and quickly became popular among locals. Originally it had meant for dancing so was performed much quicker, but was slowed down to make it easier for crowds to sing together.

5. The song was quickly accepted as Wales' unofficial anthem.

It reached national acclaim in 1858 when it was performed at the Langollen Eisteddfod, soon after it was published in a bestselling collection of Welsh songs and began to be sung at patriotic gatherings.