Calling All Former Members: Join the NYOW 80th Anniversary Alumni Orchestra

Photo by Ken Grant, July 2025

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) holds the unique distinction of being the world’s first national youth orchestra, giving its inaugural performance in 1946. 

In 2026, NYOW proudly marks 80 years of exceptional musical training and memorable performances.  

As part of our 80th Anniversary celebrations, we are bringing together an orchestra of former members to rehearse, reconnect and perform over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. This special Alumni Orchestra will be led by internationally renowned conductor, Carlo Rizzi. 

Carlo Rizzi has long been a valued friend of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, having conducted the orchestra regularly since his first appearance with the orchestra in 2012. We are delighted to welcome him back to lead our 80th Anniversary Alumni Orchestra.  

After overwhelming interest, we are excited to assemble an orchestra for a public concert on Sunday 3 May at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff Bay. We warmly invite any former member who continues to play their instrument regularly to take part.   

This promises to be an historic occasion - an opportunity to reconnect with friends and fellow alumni from across the decades, both on stage and in the audience!  

The repertoire will be announced in due course, but you can look forward to revisiting some of the works that shaped your time with the orchestra. 

If you are a former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and would like to be part of the anniversary celebrations – whether you would like to join our alumni orchestra or not - please fill in our alumni form and we will keep you informed of plans and updates. 

This is a celebration of the orchestra’s history and of the many musicians who have been part of it. We would be honoured if you would celebrate with us!