David Jackson OBE 1955-2025

National Youth Arts Wales reflects on the life and loss of David Jackson OBE with sorrow, affection and profound gratitude.

David was Chair of National Youth Arts Wales from October 2017 until this summer. During this time, he led the organisation through its formative years – initially focussing on leadership of the five ground-breaking National Youth Ensembles of Wales, and then broadening its remit to embrace other art forms, championing the importance of high quality and collective creativity for all young people. He was always determined that nobody would be “left behind”, for reasons of disability or financial hardship in particular. Many thousands of young people from throughout Wales have directly benefitted from NYAW’s projects, ensembles and performances as a result.

"David’s cheerful insight, friendship and calm determination brought people together, and showed that extraordinary things are possible. Central to his vision was that young people of every background should access the life-changing experiences of artistic, collective creativity.

David believed in us – so we will continue believing, ensuring his legacy resonates for generations to come. But we will all miss him deeply.”

- Evan Dawson, CEO National Youth Arts Wales

David’s impact on the arts world in Wales and beyond is incredible. He was perhaps best-known as the Artistic Director of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, which became one of the most highly regarded classical singing competitions in the world under his stewardship.

He had also been a producer, executive producer and commissioner of television and radio for the BBC and the independent sector. His programmes won many awards including a Primetime Emmy, BAFTAs, the Rose d’Or, SONY Awards, several Golden Prague and Vienna TV Awards and many nominations.

Previous posts included Head of Music at BBC Wales, Vice Principal at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Acting Director of the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, and Managing Director of the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain.

In addition to his professional work, David served for a number of years as a Trustee and Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Wales Millennium Centre. He was a trustee of the chamber orchestra Sinfonia Cymru, sat on the Governors’ Music Committee of Wells Cathedral School, and was a Governor of Ysgol y Deri Special School in Sully. He was Chair of the Forget-Me-Not Chorus for people with dementia and their carers. He was awarded an OBE for services to music in the Platinum Birthday Honours in June 2022.

David died peacefully during the morning of Friday 17 October 2025. Our thoughts are with his wife Anne and their two grown-up children.

National Youth Arts Wales would welcome any comments about your memories of David, to be sent to nyaw@nyaw.org.uk which we will publish and share with his family. We will also launch a new award for young singers, entitled The David Jackson Award, in partnership with other arts organisations in Wales. More details soon.