Hiraeth
the cosmic pull of wales’ nostalgia
Hiraeth is an untranslatable Welsh word that blends homesickness, nostalgia, and a deep longing for one's homeland or something lost. It's often likened to the Portuguese word saudade, though the two are not quite the same. In Welsh, hir means "to long," and aeth conveys sorrow or grief. This word encapsulates the emotional pull that brings many people back to Wales after leaving—a phenomenon often cited as a reason for the country’s high rates of "back migration."
I spent the first 18 years of my life in Pontypridd, South Wales, before moving to New York City. Ever since, I’ve been fascinated by people’s NYC stories. For many, the city has an almost gravitational force—something cosmic that keeps them from ever leaving, in a similar way that Wales pulls people back.
Hiraeth explores the emotional and cultural intersection of the two places I call home: Wales and New York. It celebrates the contrast and connection between urban and rural landscapes. The piece blends energetic, disorienting rhythmic grooves that capture the chaos and thrill of NYC with expansive, hymn-like choral melodies inspired by Welsh brass bands and community choruses.
While I’ll always be fueled by the boundless energy of New York, I carry with me the hiraeth for Wales—am byth.
Score and Parts available on request.