Experience an unforgettable afternoon of music and collaboration!

BBC National Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Orchestra of Wales ‘side-by-side’ (2023)

Join us for a special concert where talented young musicians from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) perform ‘side-by-side’ with world-class players from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW).  

Between 28th and 30th November, NYOW members will join forces with their professional counterparts at BBC NOW to rehearse and perform an exciting programme of music that will consist of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra and Mistico by NYOW’s very own Gwydion Rhys! 

Italian-Turkish conductor, Nil Venditti will lead the project, with the rehearsals and final concert taking place in Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millenium Centre. 

Since 2001, this bi-annual project has offered NYOW members a rare opportunity to step into the world of a professional orchestra and gain invaluable insight and experience. 

National Youth Arts Wales Deputy Chief Executive and Senior Producer, Matthew Jones says: "We're excited to be collaborating with BBC National Orchestra of Wales again for this special event. The project is an excellent opportunity for some of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales's most experienced and senior members to work intensely across what is a normal, professional rehearsal schedule, to sit next to and learn from experienced professional orchestral musicians and play some great music."   

Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of Welsh talent sharing the stage on Sunday 30th November with some of the nation’s finest musicians. 

Tickets are on sale on a Pay What You Can basis with a suggested ticket price of £7.50 general sale and £2.50 for under 25s. 

Programme 

Copland Fanfare for the Common Man 

Gwydion Rhys Mistico 

Bartók Concerto for Orchestra (Movements I-IV only) 

Performers 

BBC National Orchestra of Wales 

National Youth Orchestra of Wales 

Conductor: Nil Venditti 

Composers 

Aaron Copland 

Gwydion Rhys 

Béla Bartók  

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)