Meet the 2026 NYAW Conductors

NYAW 2026 Conductors: Philip Harper (left), Tim Rhys-Evans (centre), Andrew Gourlay (right)

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is excited to announce the conductors who’ll be leading the National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles this summer! 

With auditions completed and the 2026 membership confirmed, the stage is now set for another exciting Summer of Music featuring some of the best young musicians from across Wales. 

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) is delighted to welcome back Philip Harper as its conductor this summer. Philip, who last worked with the Band in 2022, is one of the most influential conductors in the brass band world having led The Cory Band to unprecedented success since taking the reins in 2012. Known for high-energy rehearsals and inspiring leadership, Philip knows how to get the best out of the Band’s members and is planning a varied programme that combines challenging competition works with entertaining concert pieces.  

National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) Alumnus, Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, returns to conduct his former choir this summer in a collaboration that has seen the Choir develop and grow tremendously throughout his 8 years at the helm. Tim has been at the forefront of choral singing in Wales for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting young singers – demonstrated through his work as founder of the Aloud Charity and Only Boys and Only Kids Aloud. A former professional singer himself, Tim combines fantastic musicianship with an extensive knowledge of vocal technique which has led to him becoming renowned for creating powerful, supportive spaces where young singers can grow in confidence and skill. 

The members of the NYCW always provide high quality, energetic performances of both traditional and more contemporary choral works and this summer is sure to be no different under Tim’s leadership. 

In 2026, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) is excited to welcome Andrew Gourlay to conduct the Orchestra in a landmark year as we celebrate its 80th anniversary. 

Hailed by The Guardian as “a start in the ascendent”, Andrew has quickly established himself as an internationally recognised conductor with a dynamic, collaborative style. He has conducted extensively across the world including many of the UK and Europe’s leading Orchestras and is a regular conductor at the BBC Proms. Andrew is a passionate advocate for youth orchestras and has conducted the National Youth Orchestras of Australia, Columbia and Ireland as well as NYOGB.  

National Youth Arts Wales is really looking forward to him leading the NYOW in such a significant year and, as a former professional trombonist, you can rest assured that he has programmed a fantastic (brass heavy) programme that both our members and audiences will thoroughly enjoy this summer! 

Sign up to NYAW’s newsletter to be notified when our summer concerts go on sale. 

Congratulations 2025 Orchestra and Brass Band Prize Winners

Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.

National Youth Arts Wales would like to express its gratitude to those who have donated money for the creation of these awards.

National Youth Brass Band of Wales

• The John Childs Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the most promising player at this year’s residency

Carys Wood

• The David Mabey Prize

Awarded to the most improved player on the residency

Isla Hawkins

• The Principal Cornet Trophy

In Memory of Tony Small

Stephanie Jonas

National Youth Orchestra of Wales

• The Haydn Davies Award

Awarded to the most promising player still in education

Noah Harcourt-Smith

• The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards

Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency

Tristan Xuan and Jemima Soper

• The Wil Jones Prize

Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency

Sam Finch

• The Goronwy Evans Award

Awarded to the most promising brass player at this year’s residency

Tom Evans

• The Tony Moore Harp Prize

Awarded to the most promising harpist at this year’s residency

Heledd Wynn-Newton

• The Tony Moore Percussion Prize

Awarded to the most promising percussionist at this year’s residency

Carys Underwood

• The Welfare Team Prize

For overall contribution to the Orchestra

Gwydion Rhys

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

Your Stage Awaits! NYAW 2026 Music Auditions Now Open

Auditions are officially open for the 2026 National Youth Brass Band, Choir, and Orchestra of Wales. Apply now for your chance to perform alongside Wales’ finest young musicians! 
 
What can you expect as a NYAW member? 

• Receive expert training from top musicians 

• Perform in fantastic venues across Wales 

• Work with internationally renowned conductors 

• Make Wales proud by representing your country 

• Make life-long friends and lasting memories! 
   

Your Stage Awaits! What are you waiting for?

 Audition Deadline: 12 October 2025 

For more information, visit our website or follow us on social media @nationalyouthartswales for updates. 

Photo by James O’Driscoll (2025)