Meet the 2026 NYAW Conductors

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

*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!

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Lux Family Law Announced as National Youth Choir of Wales 2026 Season Sponsor

The National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) is delighted to announce that Lux Family Law will be the official Season Sponsor for its 2026 season.

The National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) is delighted to announce that Lux Family Law will be the official Season Sponsor for its 2026 season. This exciting partnership brings vital support to the Choir, helping to amplify young voices and broaden access to life-changing musical experiences across Wales.

Lux Family Law’s generous sponsorship will enable NYCW to deliver a season of ambitious creative work - from high-level rehearsals to vibrant performances that highlights Wales’s young choral singers. Their support strengthens the Choir’s ability to foster creative excellence and community-building through music.

National Youth Arts Wales Deputy Chief Executive and Senior Producer of National Youth Choir of Wales, Matthew Jones OBE, says: “We are incredibly grateful to Lux Family Law for their support. Their partnership enables us to continue our mission of nurturing young singers, providing fantastic performance opportunities and sharing exceptional choral music across Wales.”

As Season Sponsor, Lux Family Law’s commitment will help key elements of the National Youth Choir of Wales’s activity in 2026, including enhanced training opportunities for its members and supporting our efforts to expand audience reach both within Wales and beyond.

Lux Family Law has a strong history of supporting local communities and cultural endeavours. By partnering with the National Youth Choir of Wales, they reaffirm a shared belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect and enrich the lives of young people across Wales.

Charlotte Leyshon, Director of Lux Family Law, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Lux Family Law are sponsoring the National Youth Choir of Wales’s 2026 Summer Season. As a strong advocate for the power of the arts to foster connection and wellbeing, we are delighted to support the wonderful work they do for young singers across Wales and look forward to seeing them live in concert this summer!”

The National Youth Choir of Wales looks forward to an exciting 2026 season celebrating Wales's young voices, beginning its first rehearsals in South Wales in April.

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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.

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?