10 new digital commissions help celebrate 75 years of National Youth Orchestra of Wales
National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) turns 75 in 2021, making it the world’s oldest national youth orchestra
10 new chamber works commissioned by NYOW, from Welsh composers
Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni have been commissioned, including Sir Karl Jenkins, Hilary Tann and Patrick Rimes
National Youth Orchestra of Wales - the world’s oldest national youth orchestra – will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, with the help of 10 new commissions by Welsh composers.
The 10 new chamber works have been commissioned by National Youth Arts Wales for the Orchestra members, and a few alumni, to perform together in small groups. Each composer was offered any combination of instruments from the Orchestra to write for and the pieces vary in scale, from trios and quartets up to chamber works for 15-20 players. Eight of the new works have already been recorded by members and alumni of NYOW in a recording session at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, ready for a special online anniversary celebration on Thursday 21 October.
Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni are amongst the composers to have been commissioned, including Hilary Tann, Patrick Rimes, and Sir Karl Jenkins, who began his musical career as an oboist in the orchestra.
“It’s so exciting, I couldn’t wait to be back playing with people that I haven’t played with in such a long time. It’s like nothing ever changed”
Isobel, NYOW member
“To be back with National Youth Orchestra of Wales is such a pleasure, and a relief! It’s been such a long time but we’re so excited to be back.”
Nathan Dearden, Composer and NYAW Alumni
Photo: Jamie Chapman
The commissioned composers and works are:
Jo Thomas – Seeds (for three clarinets, violin, double bass and percussion)
Bethan Morgan-Williams – Parodi i Dri (for clarinet, violin, piano)
Angharad Jenkins and Patrick Rimes – Music for 13 Players (Gobaith & Kost ar C’hoat)
Lloyd Coleman – Machine (for nine wind players)
Gareth Olubunmi Hughes – Horizon One (for chamber ensemble)
Sir Karl Jenkins – Chums! (arranged chamber ensemble for the NYOW’s 75th anniversary)
Mark Bowden – Wych Elm (two pieces for flute, viola and harp)
Claire Roberts - Rhywbeth ar y gweill (for piano, percussion and strings)
Hilary Tann – Penrhys Fanfare (for four trumpets)
Gillian Mitchell, National Youth Arts Wales’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is so exciting to be able to work with such an illustrious line-up of Welsh composers in this project. National Youth Orchestra of Wales has supported some of Wales’s finest musicians over the decades, and we’re delighted to have an exceptional and varied range of talent on board for this project. Whilst we’re disappointed we’re still unable to bring the full orchestra together for a residency, we’re absolutely thrilled that we are able to meet these chamber groups in person to record a concert that showcases the wonderful orchestral talents we have here in Wales.”
Each piece has been recorded and filmed with appropriate social distancing measures in place, according to public health advice at the time. Along with a range of other online activities, these have replaced the live in-person residency experience, which is still not possible due to ongoing social distancing advice. Throughout the pandemic, NYOW members have benefitted from a host of online masterclasses including from harpist Catrin Finch, violinists Patrick Rimes and Rachel Podger, trumpeter Philip Cobb and clarinettist Robert Plane.
Photo: Jamie Chapman
The world premiere of the 10 pieces will be available to stream online at 7pm on Thursday 21 October, and will be accessible for a limited time thereafter. The concert will be streamed via AM at amam.cymru/nyaw
Each piece will also be available to watch on-demand for a further six months on NYAW’s AM and Youtube channels. Access to the premiere is free-of-charge, with donations welcome to the NYAW bursary fund.
NYOW is operated by National Youth Arts Wales, founded in 2017 to lead the development of Wales’ six prestigious national ensembles, as well as a range of wider projects to provide creative opportunities to young people on the arts.
As a registered charity, National Youth Arts Wales relies on your generous donations to continually ensure that those most deserving can engage with the arts at the highest level, regardless of background or economic means. Find out how you can support us at nyaw.org.uk/support-us