Record number of young musicians throughout Wales apply to join National Youth Arts Wales
Every autumn, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) invites talented young people to audition for our national choir, orchestra, brass band, dance and theatre ensembles. The deadline for music applications was 8 October. Over 330 musicians have applied, from the widest ever range of backgrounds and geographies.
124 young singers applied to join the national choir, more than ever before. They include several with non-choral backgrounds, who have been receiving support through NYAW’s ground-breaking “Côr Skills” programme.
““Wales is blessed indeed to have musicians of such talent””
The Covid lockdowns had a significant impact on musical instrument tuition and development. However, this year 214 young people have applied to join the instrumental ensembles - an 18% increase on last year – showing that applications have almost returned to pre-Covid numbers.
Since the pandemic, NYAW have been working closely with National Music Service for Wales to help ensure that young musicians from across the country can aspire towards a place in Wales’ national ensembles, no matter where they are from or their financial circumstances.
“After being a member of NYCW I am like a new person…Being surrounded by so many other young people who love music as much as you do is honestly incredible!” NYCW member, 2023
NYAW is committed to removing financial and other barriers to involvement in the national ensembles. Those who can’t afford to pay audition fees are still welcome to apply, and this year 35% of applicants took advantage of this offer. Similarly, video auditions are available for those who may feel unable to attend in person, and this year 27% of applicants have chosen this route.
"Wales is blessed indeed to have musicians of such talent who will ensure that classical music in the nation will continue to thrive.” Nation.Cymru on National Youth Orchestra of Wales’s 2023 concert, St David’s Hall, Cardiff
The profile and reputation of Wales’s youth ensembles has been growing in recent years, following the formation of National Youth Arts Wales in 2017 to bring them all into one organisation. During the summer, over 3,400 audience members attended exceptionally high-quality music and theatrical performances throughout Wales, in Bangor, St David’s, Cardiff and Lampeter.
Matt Jones, Senior Producer at NYAW, said: “Wales is a nation of artists! At National Youth Arts Wales, we work hard to identify and encourage the most talented musicians, actors, dancers and more; and bring them to a really wide range of audiences. We are all very excited to meet this year’s applicants, many of whom will go on to experience ground-breaking development and performance opportunities, working with some of the UK’s leading professional conductors and directors.”
Mari Lloyd Pritchard, Coordinator, National Music Service Wales, said: "It was a great relief to see such an increase in the number of young people who want to join our National ensembles. With the arrival of the new National Plan for Music Education Plan in Wales, we are proud to be playing a key role in encouraging and inspiring children and young people to sing or play an instrument.
“Playing together in an ensemble is a special experience, not only for the development of your musical pathway, but also for the health and well-being of young musicians in general. We are very proud that the Welsh Government's investment in music education means that there are many more opportunities, for all ages in every County in Wales, to access high-quality experiences to sing and play together.”
Auditions will take place during November, with the choir, orchestra and brass bands being formed by the end of the year. Those who are not successful will be offered alternative support. Applications for the dance and theatre ensembles will open soon. Further details are available on the National Youth Arts Wales website at www.nyaw.org.uk.