NEWS
National Youth Arts Wales appoints Evan Dawson as its new Chief Executive
Evan will start his role with National Youth Arts Wales in October 2023. Evan, a Welsh-speaker born in Cardiff, has previously worked as CEO of Live Music Now and, most recently, CEO of the Royal Photographic Society.
National Youth Arts Wales, the national charity for young performers and creatives aged 11-25, has appointed Evan Dawson as its new Chief Executive.
Evan will start his role with National Youth Arts Wales in October 2023.
Evan, a Welsh-speaker born in Cardiff, has previously worked as CEO of Live Music Now and, most recently, CEO of the Royal Photographic Society – where he developed a new inclusive strategy and identity, its first youth programme and a series of visual arts and wellbeing projects.
As a saxophonist and piano player, his own musical training included South Glamorgan’s county music groups before joining National Youth Jazz Orchestra and spending a year studying jazz and studio music at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has since led his own 50-piece big band, volunteered as a children’s music leader on a housing estate project, and written music for TV and live performance.
Evan Dawson (on left), NYAW's incoming Chief Executive, and David Jackson (on right), Chair of NYAW's Board of Trustees, at rehearsals for National Youth Orchestra of Wales's summer tour
Evan’s work will build on the strong legacy of Gillian Mitchell, who joined NYAW as Chief Executive in 2018. Gillian left NYAW in July 2023 to take up the role of Project Director for the National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales.
““I’m excited to help lead the organisation into its next chapter, developing pathways to a wide range of creative industries””
On his new appointment, Evan Dawson said: “I’m delighted to be joining National Youth Arts Wales as its new Chief Executive. Since its foundation in 2017, David and Gillian have built a passionate and highly skillful team of trustees and staff members, bringing inspirational arts experiences to thousands of young people. This important work is needed now more than ever before.
“I’m excited to help lead the organisation into its next chapter, developing pathways to a wide range of creative industries, and helping people from all backgrounds to connect and flourish through extraordinary and collaborative arts events. Over the years ahead, we will work in partnership with organisations and artists throughout Wales, together nurturing a confident and contemporary country, in which all talented young people can thrive.”
““I couldn’t be more pleased that Evan is joining National Youth Arts Wales...he is the ideal person to lead NYAW forward into what promises to be an exciting and challenging future.””
David Jackson, Chair of NYAW’s Board of Trustees, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased that Evan is joining National Youth Arts Wales as our new CEO. With his broad arts, business and administrative expertise and vision he is the ideal person to lead NYAW forward into what promises to be an exciting and challenging future.
“He takes over from our outgoing CEO Gillian Michell, who has grown the charity brilliantly, leaving great opportunities for Evan to build on, and I’m confident that he will bring his own brand of creative brilliance to the role. I and my fellow trustees look forward to working with him very much.”
National Youth Arts Wales is a registered charity, and receives regular funding from Arts Council of Wales, as a member of the Arts Portfolio Wales.
Evan Dawson – full biography
Evan was born in Cardiff, attending Welsh-language schools, before completing a law degree at University College London, and qualifying as a solicitor with Mishcon de Reya. He then completed an MA in Arts Management at City University, specialising in the educational and social impacts of the arts.
Evan plays saxophone and piano, and has an interest in theatre, literature, photography and film-making. Whilst growing up, he benefitted from South Glamorgan’s famous county music opportunities in the 1980s and 90s, including the High Schools Wind Band and “Jazz News” bigband. From there, he joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and spent a post-grad year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying jazz and studio music. He led his own 50-piece bigband in London, and volunteered as a children’s music tutor on the Aylesbury Housing Estate. He has also written music for television, including the string quartet theme for BBC Two’s “Only Connect” (filmed in Cardiff) and a choral anthem (with brass band) for the Cultural Olympiad in 2012, premiered at the Dora Stoutzker Hall.
In his professional career, Evan was Head of Development at Making Music, developing its arts and health policy, researching the impact of community singing groups around the country, and commissioning many new works for orchestras and choirs. He was then appointed CEO of Live Music Now (LMN), who deliver evidence-based work at schools, healthcare settings and communities throughout the UK, working with over 350 freelance musicians each year. In 2019, under his leadership, LMN was a Finalist in Charity of the Year in recognition of their work with special schools. He has presented LMN’s arts and health research at the House of Lords, Royal Society of Medicine, Sydney’s Gallery of New South Wales and (in Welsh) at the Welsh Assembly. Following that, he became CEO of the Royal Photographic Society, where he created a new inclusive strategy and identity, its first youth programme and a series of visual arts and wellbeing projects. He has also been a National Advisor to Arts Council of Wales, and an evaluation consultant for the Quartet Community Foundation in Bristol.
Congratulations to our 2023 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.
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
Ellie Carlsen
The David Mabey Prize
Awarded to the most improved player on the residency
Sion Lloyd
The Principal Cornet Trophy
Donated by Tony Small
Erin Maloney & Elizabeth Rogers
NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES
The Haydn Davies Award
Awarded to the most promising player still in education
Jacob Adams (French Horn)
The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards
Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency
Rhys Nicholson (cello) and Luke Doyle (violin)
The Wil Jones Prize
Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency
Catrin Davies (clarinet)
The Goronwy Evans Award
Awarded to the most promising brass player at this year’s residency
Dafydd Owen (tuba)
The Tony Moore Harp Prize
Awarded to the most promising harpist at this year’s residency
Erin Fflur Jardine
The Tony Moore Percussion Prize
Awarded to the most promising percussionist at this year’s residency
Nathan Corish
See the future of Welsh arts. National Youth Arts Wales announce 2023 summer events.
This summer, over 230 young actors, musicians, and singers aged 16-22 will be performing in concerts and productions across Wales.
The seriously talented young performers of National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Theatre of Wales and National Youth Dance Wales are ready to show off their passion and potential.
This summer, over 230 young actors, musicians, and singers aged 16-22 will be performing in concerts and productions across Wales.
From 28 – 30 July, National Youth Brass Band of Wales will perform concerts in Bangor, Aberystwyth and Cardiff.
Conducted by Paul Holland, NYBBW will showcase their versatility with pieces including Eric Ball's High Peak, Gareth Wood's Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden plus music from Debussy, Walton and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. Belgian cornet soloist and rising star Lode Violet brings his own youthful flair to the line-up.
From 1 – 5 August, National Youth Orchestra of Wales will perform events in Bangor, Lampeter and Cardiff, as well as festival appearances in St Davids.
Conducted by Carlo Rizzi, NYOW will take audiences on a journey through the Czech countryside with Smetana's Vltava from Má vlast. They’ll also perform Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs featuring soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn, and Shostakovich's Symphony No 5.
From 25 – 28 August, National Youth Choir of Wales will be performing concerts in Bangor and Cardiff, as well as a festival appearance in St Davids.
The singers of NYCW have had their say and put together a programme of their favourites for this year's concerts. Audiences will hear everything from the atmospheric music of Eric Whitacre to the beautiful melodies of Welsh composers. There's even an arrangement of one of Stevie Wonder’s legendary songs. Tim Rhys-Evans, best known for his work with Only Men Aloud and Only Boys Aloud, conducts.
From 31 August – 2 September, Dylan Thomas’ classic is reimagined for the bold young voices of National Youth Theatre of Wales in a new stage adaptation of Under Milk Wood / Dan y Wenallt at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.
The lyrical world of Llaregubb combines with the contemporary Wales of today in a fusion of English and Welsh, alive with music, microphones and loop pedals. This refreshingly original production is adapted by Mari Izzard, based on Dylan’s original play for voices and the Welsh translation by T James Jones. It is directed by Emma Baggott.
Later this year, National Youth Dance Wales present a new piece by acclaimed choreographer Mario Bermúdez Gil, premiering in November 2023 alongside leading dance company Ballet Cymru.
The lineup of events this summer has something for everyone. They are a great opportunity to experience, and support, the passion and promise of young performers from all over Wales.
Shining a light on Mental Health in Performance during Mental Health Awareness Week 2023.
Many young performers can find they struggle with performance anxiety, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is Anxiety, we wanted to share our favourite factsheets to help you perform with confidence, and resources to direct you to the right support.
Many young performers can find they struggle with performance anxiety, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is Anxiety, we wanted to share our favourite factsheets to help you perform with confidence, and resources to direct you to the right support.
Since Covid, there has been a rise in anxiety in general and as a creative organisation, we encourage our members to speak up and welcome the conversation around mental wellbeing,
““Being a member of NYAW was really valuable to my mental health over lockdown… Returning to an in-person residency in 2022 was an incredible experience, which definitely helped me regain a lot of the confidence that I had lost over lockdown.” ”
What is performance anxiety? What are the symptoms?
As described by Mind UK (2021) "Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations." This can result in stage fright, panic attacks, disorientation, among other symptoms.
What advice would you give someone who feels anxious about performing?
Some members found that yoga, being a meditative practice, helped them with their performance anxiety. Decompress, destress, and take a moment to look after your physical and mental wellbeing with a series of instructional yoga and meditation sessions from us here at National Youth Arts Wales, led by NYDW resident yoga tutor Jessica Jones.
What are NYAW doing to help?
NYAW takes members and staff wellbeing and mental health seriously. During residencies, NYAW has welfare staff with experience of performing on board. Alongside this, during residencies we hold yoga classes for members to attend making healthy practice part of residencies.
Helpful Resources:
National Youth Theatre of Wales' Launch Professional Pathways 2023 Programme
This month, we’re looking back on the launch of our National Youth Theatre of Wales Professional Pathways Programme 2023, run in partnership with our long-term collaborators Theatr Clwyd.
This month, we’re looking back on the launch of our National Youth Theatre of Wales Professional Pathways Programme 2023, run in partnership with our long-term collaborators Theatr Clwyd.
Photos by Kirsten McTernan Photography
In April, 53 of our National Youth Theatre of Wales 2023 members took part in a three-day residential course in Cardiff (supported by Wales Millennium Centre) as the first stage of this ever-growing membership offer from NYTW. Designed to broaden skills and awareness of career pathways within theatre,film and the digital realm, the group came together to learn about immersive storytelling in all its forms.
“The tutors were very friendly, and the residency has helped me toward my future work in theatre by advancing my skills.”
With funding from Welsh Government via Creative Wales, we’ve expanded our Professional Pathways offer this year to include specific skills training around digital and screen work including workshops by innovators Darkfield Studios, and practical sessions on self-tape auditions for screen and stage with screen actor and facilitator Dean Fagan.
Photos by Kirsten McTernan Photography
What has been your highlight from the residency?
“It’s all been really fantastic. We’ve met so many people and different creatives from all sorts of mediums.”
“I loved the new perspective it gave me.”
Workshops during the residency were delivered by a wide variety of artists and companies with a focus on the art of immersive storytelling. These included sessions with Amie Burns Walker and the upcoming site-specific production at Theatr Clwyd of The Great Gatsby, movement and performance skills with the team from Theatr Clwyd along with an insight into how WMC are leading the way in digital immersive performance in Wales.
Thank you to all members and staff who took part in another successful residency. We look forward to welcoming you back next year!
What’s Next?
The next stages of the Professional Pathways Membership programme will include our ever-popular Play Reading Club (with the Welsh language curation supported by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and writer Rebecca Jade Hammond curating the English language program of work) along with a variety of backstage and theatre making workshops in North and South Wales linked to productions from across Wales in Welsh and English supported by RWCMD and Theatr Clwyd.
If you are a producer, venue or theatre company involved in theatre in anyway and wish to open your performances to our cohort please get in touch with NYTW.
For more information please sign up to our mailing list or email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk
National Youth Arts Wales partners with Wales Millennium Centre to deliver Hard Côr
Hard Côr is a vocal collective for young people, bringing those aged 16–25 who live in Cardiff together to sing, rap, beatbox and create music.
Hard Côr is a vocal collective for young people, bringing those aged 16–25 who live in Cardiff together to sing, rap, beatbox and create music.
The group are influenced by a range of contemporary styles, including hip-hop, grime, rap and RnB, and celebrate Wales’s increasingly innovative music scene.
The group’s purpose is to broaden opportunities for young and talented Welsh music makers who wish to sing and vocalise in non-traditional styles at the highest level, enabling them to work with some of the country’s most impressive musical practitioners.
“It felt like another family and community full of diversity.”
Video courtesy of Wales Millennium Centre.
Three facilitators who specialise in different areas led and supported this first project. They were:
Dionne Bennett – soul singer (singing)
Tumi Williams – MC, lyricist and Creative Associate at Wales Millennium Centre (mcing)
Matthew Hann – beatboxer and arts facilitator (beatboxing)
For more information please sign up to our mailing list or email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk or education@wmc.org.uk. Hard Côr is a joint project between Wales Millennium Centre and National Youth Arts Wales.
National Youth Arts Wales expands creative talent development projects with funding via Creative Wales
NYAW has been awarded funding – over £45,000 – from Welsh Government via Creative Wales to help develop Wales’s creative talent in the film, TV, commercial music, and digital sectors.
NYAW has been awarded funding – over £45,000 – from Welsh Government via Creative Wales to help develop Wales’s creative talent in the film, TV, commercial music, and digital sectors.
Launched in September of last year, the Creative Skills Sector Fund was created with the intention of supporting projects that can deliver against one or more of the ten identified priorities within the three-year industry led Creative Skills Action Plan.
The Action Plan seeks to address the skills needs of the three priority sectors: music, digital content, and screen in the short term, as well as considering the long-term needs which will ensure Wales continues to have a thriving creative sector.
Earlier this month, Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, announced that over £1.5m is to be shared between 17 projects across the creative industries, she said:
“The purpose of this fund is to continue to support strategic skills partnerships across Wales and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award the funding to collaborative projects which will provide excellent opportunities for those working in the sector or seeking to work in the sector from all backgrounds.” You can read the written statement in full here.
As recipients of the fund, NYAW will use this to expand two of its projects for young people – Professional Pathways and Music Futures.
Professional Pathways
Our Professional Pathways programme is a career development scheme for young talented drama performers, delivered in partnership with Theatr Clwyd and Wales Millennium Centre. In spring 2023, 45 young people aged 16-22 will take part in an intensive residential training programme, giving them a first-hand insight into the range of transferable skills in the theatre, screen, and digital sectors.
Each residential weekend or training day focuses on specific skills including performance technique, set, costume and lighting design, script writing, accessibility within performance and marketing and programming drama. Read more on this project here.
Using the funding from Creative Wales, our Professional Pathways programme will offer expanded access to film and TV workshops and how these practices relate to the digital sector, acting for green screen, voice training for screen, podcasts and voiceover work, and plenty more besides.
Music Futures
Elsewhere, the funding will help continue Music Futures, our contemporary music project supporting young musicians aged 16-18 to make their mark on the current Welsh music scene across a wide range of genres –from Grime to Indie, Electronica to RnB.
First developed in 2019, the project supports music makers with potential to develop and grow as artists, developing their songwriting, self-management, and musicianship skills in a safe and supportive environment. It offers an authentic industry experience, and a glimpse into a working musician’s career, taking participants through the full life cycle of songwriting – including composition and recording, performance, touring, and promotion.
As part of our ongoing commitment to nurture diverse talent, at least 25% of participants will come from a global majority background, and at least 15% of the 70 beneficiaries will be living with a disability, helping foster a more diverse and inclusive Welsh music industry.
Alongside this we’ll be hiring a new Trainee Producer specific to the Music Futures project, with recruitment beginning in March 2023, and working with Future Mentors again to help facilitate the programme and offer participants the best possible access and knowledge to the contemporary music sector in Wales.
Previous mentors have included Kizzy Crawford, Heledd Watkins (HMS Morris) and Tumi Williams (Afrocluster, Skunkadelic) to name just a few. We look forward to developing our projects further over the coming months and into the summer residency period.
NYAW Choral Development Project, Côr Skills, Relaunches For 2023
Activity for National Youth Arts Wales choral development programme Côr Skills has kicked into gear, with four January workshops taking place in preparation for the February residency.
Activity for National Youth Arts Wales choral development programme Côr Skills has kicked into gear, with four January workshops taking place in preparation for the February residency.
Developed as a pathway to enhance young singers and vocalists’ confidence and ability in choral singing, and two years on from the pilot scheme developed with National Youth Choir of Wales conductor Tim Rhys-Evans, the project launched with workshops in Summer 2022.
Recruiting enthusiastic young singers through a combination of an open call process alongside targeted campaigns with schools, youth choirs, and music services, Côr Skills will engage with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and has been designed to support those currently underrepresented in the arts - particularly global majority young people and young people from low-income families.
Current members of NYCW who could benefit from additional development have also been invited to take part in the residency.
With over 80 students taking part in four workshops held in both Cardiff and Swansea led by our team of esteemed facilitators – which includes Iori Haugen, a founder of Choirs for Good and Anna Beresford, a conductor and team member at WNO – each student worked on “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Singing in three-part harmony, they focussed on a variation of vocal techniques, their general musicianship, refined via a variety of exercises and games.
Naomi Davies, head of Expressive Arts at Cardiff West Community High School, said this of the workshop. “The pupils were very positive and enjoyed thoroughly! Hopefully, we could have you in again going forward! A few are applying for the workshop during half term which is a fantastic opportunity for them.”
Bruna Garcia, Côr Skills Trainee Producer agrees. “It was great to see how the students engaged with the workshop, and they did so extremely well. It’s encouraging to know they had fun whilst also taking something valuable away with them.”
Developing on what was covered during the workshops, our residential course will offer participants the opportunity to work with an expert team of singing leaders and special guests.
This 4-day residency will take place from 18th-21st February 2023 at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay, where participants will take part in an exciting range of workshops, masterclasses with special guests, and bespoke one-to-one singing sessions. The residency will culminate in an informal performance sharing for friends, family, and special guests.
Our aim is for each participant to leave the residency with the confidence and skills to audition for any other choral opportunities that may come their way in the future, and of course the National Youth Choir of Wales.
For more information on the residency, including cost and how to apply, simply head over to the Côr Skills projects page.
The Celtic Collective Welcomes its Newest Member
NYDW ambassador Erin Mared will join National Youth Dance Company Scotland for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad
NYDW ambassador Erin Mared will join National Youth Dance Company Scotland for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad
In 2020 National Youth Dance Company Scotland developed a new partnership with National Youth Dance Wales through The Celtic Collective, designed to connect members of NYDW and NYDCS through a shared passion and desire to enhance their dance development and awareness of the sector, both nationally and internationally, by bringing them together through shared experiences. During lockdown dancers from both companies took part in online workshops with choreographers from across the UK.
This year, The Celtic Collective partnership has developed further and involves dancers traveling between countries to take part in programmes and residencies.
In August 2022, National Youth Dance Wales members worked with choreographers Lea Anderson MBE and Arielle Smith to create two new dance works that premiered as part of Ballet Cymru's autumn tour. Over a two-week residency at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the programme focused on stretching and challenging members both creativity and artistically, whilst also developing their technical and performance skills.
Three members of NYDCS came to Wales to join NYDW at the August residency as guest performers, joining the company in rehearsals and on stage.
We are excited to announce this year, for the first time, NYDCS will host a NYDW ambassador. Erin Mared, 23, from Aberystwyth, Wales, currently studying Spanish & German at Glasgow University will join NYDCS for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad.
Erin has been dancing since the age of four and has a real passion for the joy of dancing, “I love that dance is a common language for people worldwide. If you can't communicate with someone through words, you can always find a connection through dance.”
National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) and YDance, who run NYDCS, provide young dancers with first-class training and performance opportunities. It draws on the energy and excitement of young people's enthusiasm for dance and channels it into a creative, contemporary force that celebrates the very best youth dance in Wales and Scotland today.
“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with NYDCS. By joining forces, we have been able to share joint opportunities for dancers from NYDW and NYDCS to participate in a range of different activities virtually and in person. The Celtic Collective partnership is a wonderful opportunity for like-minded dancers from across Wales and Scotland to share experiences, develop skills, and make new connections with peers across the two nations. I am super excited to see how the partnership will develop over the next year or so.” Jamie Jenkins, Dance Producer.
“This year is set to be an exciting year for NYDCS with some incredible opportunities to perform outside of the UK! It is wonderful to have the Celtic Collective partnership with NYDW to offer the dancers more experiences during their journey with us. We are excited to welcome Erin as part of this year's company and look forward to the Collective future with NYDW.” Anna Kenrick, YDance Artistic Director
Erin will debut with NYDCS in their first live performance at this year's YDance event, Destinations, held at Eden Court, Inverness on the 18th of February.
Arts Council of Wales responds to report on youth arts in Wales
Commissioned last year, the joint effort between NYAW and YANC has been published, outlining the plans for developing the Youth Arts sector with increased involvement from young people
Commissioned last year, the joint effort between NYAW and YANC has been published, outlining the plans for developing the Youth Arts sector with increased involvement from young people
In November 2020, a joint letter from National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) and Youth Arts Network Cymru (YANC) was submitted to Arts Council of Wales (ACW) outlining fundamental concerns for the future of the youth arts sector in Wales; predominantly surrounding the devastating consequences of Covid-19 on young people and the arts sector.
It highlighted the historic lack of resource for youth arts, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s wellbeing and future aspirations for careers in the arts, plus the lack of voice that young people have had so far in the discourse during the pandemic.
Commissioned by Arts Council Wales in 2021, National Youth Arts Wales teamed up with Youth Arts Network Cymru (YANC) to undertake a series of online consultation sessions with young people, youth arts organisations, and practitioners to determine the viability and need for a youth forum in Wales and consultation on future of youth arts lottery funding.
Below is a summary of the report, following its publication by Arts Council Wales.
To read the full report on the Arts Council Wales website, click here. To read the Easy Read report, click here.
What young people want
There was a general agreement that both Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government need to do more to take the needs of young people more seriously and place them higher on the agenda, such as listening to young people, fostering better connections that place young people at the centre of work, and more flexible and unrestricted funding for projects with young people.
Participants talked about wanting a network for young people to connect and collaborate with one another as well as supporting their engagement and careers in the arts through support, information and resources.
Network and youth voice representation
Simply put, people said they wanted an arts network for young people that would aid their ability to meet and work with each other. The purpose of this network would be to help young people to work collaboratively, get information about the arts and connect with art organisations within Wales, get help with funding and applications and to help kickstart careers in the arts.
Suggestions were also made around increasing funding and support for YANC. A strengthened YANC, with strengthened partnerships with arts and community organisations across Wales could work with young people, organisations and ACW to develop such a network.
It was recognised that creating such a network is a big undertaking, but should be made by young people rather than for young people, with the opportunity for online and in-person engagement. It was also recognised that the network should be accessible and inclusive for young people from all communities across Wales, with different access points for young people at varying points of their journey within the arts.
The network must also be available bilingually and ensure that young people wanting to seek opportunities, support or connections through the Welsh language are able to do so through equal representation in Welsh.
Durting the sessions discussing an expansion of youth voice representation, there were several ideas discussed that would give young people the platform to be authentically listened to by ACW, without putting the onus on them to fix all the problems.
A youth collective that meets to discuss ongoing issues was discussed, and the collective would be able to lean on ACW, whilst also echoing the structures of Cardiff Youth Council, Welsh Youth Parliament or Westminster’s Youth Parliament.
Points were also raised about the importance of this collective or group having real agency to influence decisions.
Other suggestions included placing two young people on the Arts Council itself, and developing a skills and training programme that invests in young people from across Wales.
Funding for youth arts
The overarching opinion is that the current model presents significant barriers for many young people, in addition to restrictions found by organisations aiming to run projects in more flexible and responsive ways.
There were several calls to remove the jargon and difficult wording of application bids, and re-examine the wording used and the requirements in place to submit ideas.
There were also calls to ensure that funding mentoring is a requirement for offering the funding in the first place.
There were young artists in the sessions who commented on how much they benefitted from the advice and guidance from the organisations that they are involved with when writing applications, but there were also clear calls for a wider support from Arts Council Wales. Importantly, this wider support needs to be accessible to those who perhaps don’t have those pre-existing networks, through training days and guidance on how to apply.
Arts Council Wales does offer information on applying for funding in large print, Braille, audio, Easy Read and British Sign Language, but there are D/deaf artists who are not aware of this, or what alternatives there may be to help with applications.
It has been suggested that visibility of access support should be increased, and that video applications should be considered.
What happens next?
What young people want to happen in the next 3 months
For this report to be publicised in English and Welsh, with additional social media support and paid advertising
Videos to be made from young people in the arts responding to the report
What young people want to happen in the next 6 months
Dialogue between Arts Council Wales and arts organisations on how to start the youth arts network
An increase in bilingual events with young people
Use the events to increase support for young people to work with Arts Council Wales
What young people want to happen in the next 1 to 2 years
Direct funding for youth arts that’s accessible by young people
Simple application forms with no jargon and simplified language
Arts organisations to collaborate bilingually to create a network for youth arts, supported by Arts Council Wales
Two young peolpe to be invited to join Arts Council Wales
Training programmes and facilities for young people to lead in the arts sector
For more information on Arts Council Wales visit their website.
Cardiff’s iconic Clwb Ifor Bach hosts first NYAW Music Futures gig
Music Futures has announced its first public outing since the project’s inception by National Youth Arts Wales in 2019.
Music Futures has announced its first public outing since the project’s inception by National Youth Arts Wales in 2019. Arriving fresh from months of collaboration in the studio – with the likes of Mace the Great, Hemes, Skunkadelic, Lily Beau and Clwb Ifor Bach’s own DJ Dabes – this next generation of Wales’s up-and-coming artists will give their first public performance on Wednesday 24 August 2022. Womanby Street’s iconic live music venue, nightclub and promoter has hosted countless international, local, and emerging artists, providing an early platform for some of the biggest names in music today.
The evening offers a fusion of sounds with genres ranging from grime to indie, pop to EDM; truly showcasing the future of Wales's music scene and what the next generation of young Welsh musicians has to offer. On Clwb Ifor Bach’s main stage: Morakai, Shaun Tucker, Daffydd Rose, Megan McFadden, Sharmeela, Olivia Sinclair, ONE84k, Leasha Packham, Hannah Huish and 4SZN. Taking the DJ booth: Jack Reardon. Also taking the stage will be the young industry professionals who have supported the programme’s Future Mentors: Soul singer Aisha Kigs, genre-defying singer E11ICE, and rapper Kali.
Music Futures supports young music-makers, with the potential to grow as artists, by developing their songwriting, self-management, and musicianship skills in a safe and supportive environment. The project takes each participant on the full life cycle of writing songs – from writing and recording, to performing, touring, and promoting their music – and enables participants to experiment with a wide range of genres. Over the past few months, these young musicians have worked together with their mentors to perfect their craft as singers, songwriters and producers through National Youth Arts Wales’s artist development programme: Music Futures. With guidance along the way, they have been growing their artistry, creating exciting music projects and had the opportunity to network with music industry professionals, learning what it takes to succeed in the creative industries in Wales.
Music Futures Trainee Producer Elina Lee says:
“Talented young artists often remain unseen as many live-event venues require their artist to be over the age of 18 to perform, this is something National Youth Arts Wales aims to change. It’s important to us that these young talented artists get the opportunities to perform and be a part of the music scene at this early stage in their career, which happens so rarely”
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see these artists at the early stage of their careers and be part of the change that is happening right now in the Welsh music scene.”
Congratulations to our 2022 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.
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 ORCHESTRA OF WALES
The Haydn Davies Award
Awarded to the most promising player still in education
Dewi Thistlewood
The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards
Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency
Sharon Liang & Kit Cookson
The Wil Jones Prize
Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency
Heidi Walliman
The Goronwy Evans Award
Awarded to the most promising brass player at this year’s residency
Branwen Thistlewood
The Tony Moore Harp Prize
Awarded to the most promising harpist at this year’s residency
Elena Ruddy
NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND OF WALES
The John Childs Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the most promising player at this year’s residency
Ioan Jones
The David Mabey Prize
Awarded to the most improved player on the residency
Carys Lewis
The Principal Cornet Award
Donated by Tony Small
Owain Llestyn
Looking back at Momentwm 2022
Fourteen budding young dancers recently attended the first in-person Momentwm residency, delivered in collaboration between Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme and National Youth Arts Wales.
Fourteen budding young dancers recently attended the first in-person Momentwm residency, delivered in collaboration between Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme and National Youth Arts Wales.
Photos: Sian Trenberth
These young people attended the course as pairs from different schools across Wales, originating from areas identified as having limited access to dance performance and development. Having never previously met as a group before, the dancers spent three days at Cardiff’s Gwersyll yr Urdd on a fun-filled intensive programme of dance skills, developing their technique and creativity alongside some of the best names in the Welsh dance industry.
The aim of the project was to give the young dancers a taste of dance training, which they might not otherwise have access to, and to encourage them to continue dancing as they progress through secondary school.
“Bringing our national Duets scholars together for Momentwm has been a hugely exciting event. Not only has it provided many inspirational dance and learning opportunities, but it has also enabled scholars from all over Wales to come together, in a physical space, for the first time.
The commitment and experience of both Ballet Cymru and National Youth Arts Wales to host a residency of this calibre has fostered such a positive dance experience for all involved. Momentwm represents a big step in the partnership between Ballet Cymru and National Youth Arts Wales and our joint vision to help bridge gaps in dance provision in Wales, and to address challenges in dance access and engagement.”
Freelance Welsh Dance Artist and choreographer Liam Riddick led sessions on contemporary dance technique. These workshops focused on guiding the young dancers in developing duet and solo performances, and providing a space for them to experience creative collaboration with a new company of fellow performers.
Participants also had the opportunity to build on their rhythm and hip-hop vocabulary alongside Reuel Bertram of Jukebox Collective, as well as to learn new ballet steps and vocabulary with Louise Lloyd, Ballet Cymru Duets practitioner.
“National Youth Arts Wales is thrilled to have delivered our pilot project for 10 – 12 year olds, Momentwm, in partnership with Ballet Cymru. Being able to return to in-person delivery, and providing the space for younger dancers to explore, to learn from industry professionals, and above all, enjoy the time to be creative, has been wonderful.
It is really important to be able to offer this kind of programme to those across the country who may not typically get access to dance training at this level, especially given the impact of the pandemic on this age group. Increasing access too by providing these kinds of progression pathways to Wales’ gifted and talented young performers from grassroots level upwards, is a key part of what NYAW does. Nurturing these relationships in underrepresented communities that face barriers to arts training is the latest step in Ballet Cymru and NYAW’s joint efforts to tackle issues around diversity and representation across the youth arts sector.”
Following on from these lively dance workshops, this year’s Momentwm participants also got stuck in to a social schedule of bowling trips, movie nights, and group walks around Cardiff Bay, providing the perfect space for these young people to get to know each other and begin developing life-long friendships through dance.
Duets, produced by Ballet Cymru, is a national programme for young people in areas of need to access dance training and progression. The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways, and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales.
Momentwm is National Youth Arts Wales’ training and development programme for young dancers at the early stages of their journey into dance. The programme focuses on developing core dance skills and strength, as well as creative and performance techniques, with an overall aim of equipping these young dancers with the skillset required to pursue professional dance training. Having previously collaborated with ZooNation - The Kate Prince Company, NYAW are thrilled to have worked alongside Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme for Momentwm 2022.
National Youth Arts Wales' Momentwm programme collaborating with Ballet Cymru Duets this Easter
This year, National Youth Arts Wales’ Momentwm project is partnering with Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme, culminating in an exciting Easter Residency in Cardiff.
This year, National Youth Arts Wales’ Momentwm project is partnering with Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme, culminating in an exciting Easter Residency in Cardiff.
Talented and passionate young dancers from all across Wales are selected to take part in this year’s Momentwm Duets project, spending three days alongside some of the country’s most fantastic dance artists to upskill their choreography and creative skills. Across the residency, this young collective of dancers will be immersed into a jam-packed schedule full of Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop styles, and creative movement sessions.
The residency is designed to provide these young dancers with a snapshot into life as a professional dancer, and alongside the tailored dance programme there will be opportunities to be involved in social activities and to get to know their fellow young dancers. The programme is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from across Wales, and to develop friendships that will last long into these young dancers’ careers.
Duets, produced by Ballet Cymru, is a national programme for young people in areas of need to access dance training and progression. The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways, and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales.
Momentwm is National Youth Arts Wales’ exciting training and development programme for young dancers at the early stages of their journey into dance. The programme focuses on developing core dance skills and strength, as well as creative and performance techniques, with an overall aim of equipping these young dancers with the skillset required to pursue professional dance training. Following an exciting digital Momentwm project in 2021 in collaboration with ZooNation - The Kate Prince Company, NYAW are thrilled to be working alongside Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme for Momentwm 2022.
Photo credits: Sian Trenberth/Ballet Cymru
National Youth Theatre of Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi collaborate on new international film project
Two youth theatre companies, 5000 miles apart, will premiere a new film at the Solomonic Peacocks Theatre’s Easter Festival in April – created by the young performers as part of a year-long international collaboration.
Two youth theatre companies, 5000 miles apart, will premiere a new film at the Solomonic Peacocks Theatre’s Easter Festival in April – created by the young performers as part of a year-long international collaboration.
The project, taking place digitally via Zoom and WhatsApp, has involved regular online creative workshops exploring youth voice and empowerment – and discovering the things that young people in both countries have in common.
The tri-lingual film – performed in Welsh, Chichewa and English – is a collaborative spoken word poem performed by the creators and filmed using mobile phones, one of the common technologies that unites young people around the world. An important aspect of the project was to ensure young people were at the centre of creating the work – with the group deciding to focus on the themes of empowering young women and girls, and their common link of bilingualism and a desire to share their daily lives and cultures digitally.
Alongside its premiere at SPT’s Easter Festival on Friday 8 April, a docu-film will be released showing the creation of the film and how the project has impacted on the young people involved. In the UK, the film will be launched at the same time on the AM platform at www.amam.cymru/nyaw
The project is funded through British Council Wales’s Go Digital fund, which was designed to facilitate digital partnerships between arts companies in Wales with counterparts in sub-Saharan Africa.
The project and its weekly sessions have been jointly produced by both companies, and has also enabled young theatre facilitators and producers to learn from each other, enabling a true cultural exchange.
Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, congratulated the partnership: “It’s fantastic to see this international collaboration between National Youth Theatre of Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi. This exciting cultural exchange between young performers, on the theme of youth empowerment, truly embraces digital media and international partnership.
“Forging these kind of international connections is a key part of our arts strategy in Wales – and it’s heartening to see young people in Wales respond by focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. I look forward to watching the finished film very soon and to see what the young people have created.”
Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “It’s been fantastic to be able to bring this life-changing cultural exchange to NYTW members. As the project clearly demonstrates, there is more that brings young people together around the world than separates them. We’re grateful to British Council Wales for funding the project, which has facilitated this exchange of ideas and will leave a lasting legacy in our two countries.
Natasha Nicholls, Arts Project Manager at British Council Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the young people from National Youth Arts Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre in Malawi to explore digital theatre and cultural exchange.
“Go Digital is a British Council Wales programme to enable partners from Wales and Sub Saharan Africa to connect digitally, develop new relationships and explore new ways of working. The programme has taken place in Wales and 8 countries across Sub Saharan Africa, spanning dance, theatre, literature, film and visual arts.”
McArthur Matukuta, Executive Director at Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, said: “Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has blocked physical contact, the power of art unblocked the barrier through digital technology. It’s proved to be one of the best mediums of continuing exchanging and sharing skills amongst the young people".
The film will be available to watch, for free, at www.amam.cymru/nyaw from Friday 8 April.
Mentors announced for Music Futures 2022
After a successful hybrid/online version of the project last year, working with 20 young people and developing their talents alongside a team of mentors, Music Futures is underway for 2022.
Following a successful hybrid/online version of the project last year, working with 20 young people and developing their talents alongside a team of mentors, we’re so excited that Music Futures is underway for 2022!
Music Futures is a free contemporary music project and development opportunity for Wales’s music makers of the future. It enables young people aged 16-18 to grow into the artists that they want to be and supports them to make their mark on the current Welsh music scene.
National Youth Arts Wales are pleased to announce the mentors involved in this year’s Music Futures programme. Ranging in genre and skillset from Grime to Indie, DJing to RnB, we’re proud to be working with a cohort of creatives representing the best of the contemporary music landscape in Wales.
MACE THE GREAT
Mace The Great is an exciting force of Grime and Hip Hop, hailing from Cardiff, Wales. Having won a Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize 2020, and garnering the support of the likes of BBC 1Xtra, BBC Wales, ITV, S4C (national TV station for Wales), Cardiff City FC, FOCUS Wales showcase festival and conference, Nominated for Welsh Music Prize 2021, Welsh Ambassador for independent venue week 2022, invited to perform at SXSW 2022 and also part of the MOBO Unsung Class Of 2022. Now primed for a huge 2022, which will see the release of his much anticipated project, following on from the success of his critically acclaimed EP ‘My Side Of The Bridge’, released March 2021 via the MTGM label.
HEMES
With her newly released debut EP, Hemes's single ‘Matters of the Mind’ has landed her on the BBC Radio Wales ‘Welsh A-list'. Her sound encompasses a smooth blend of catchy pop melodies and RnB influences. Born to Arabic parents, her love for music and songwriting derives from being raised around a mix of western and middle eastern music.
TUMI WILLIAMS
Tumi Williams is the front man for the 9-piece monster funk collective Afro Cluster and have written, recorded and tour managed extensively with the group for over a decade. He has performed alongside artists such as Talib Kweli, Chali 2na and The Pharcyde, and a appeared at numerous high-profile festivals and events including SXSW, Glastonbury, Womad, Greenman, and Boomtown.
HELEDD WATKINS
Heledd studied as a theatre maker before moving on to work as a session bass guitarist, touring with Emmy the Great, Chloe Howl and Paper Aeroplanes. She started writing her own music as the front woman of art-rock band, HMS Morris with highlights including, performing at Glastonbury, releasing two albums and gaining two Welsh Music Prize nominations. She is currently working on HMS Morris's third album is sound designing for a theatre show which will be performed in 2023.
DJ DABES
DJ Dabes specializes in big vibes and party anthems and has worked for BBC Radio Wales, Capital FM, Radio Cardiff, Beacons and the WMC's Radio Plattform. When DJ Dabes is not behind the decks he's teaching, presenting radio, producing online content or writing music.
LILY BEAU
Lily Beau moved to London at the age of 16 and secured work experience at Island UK, Universal Music Publishing and Warner Music Group, which subsequently led to a full-time role at Sony Music Publishing as an A&R. Having recently moved back to Wales, she composed and performed a song at the 2021 re-opening of the Senedd for the Queen. Above all else, Lily is elated to be back in her hometown, writing at her piano and can’t wait to share new music.
National Youth Dance Wales welcomes Lea Anderson and Arielle Smith as choreographers for 2022 season
Lea Anderson, one of the UK’s most pioneering choreographers, is perhaps best-known for co-founding The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs, where she choreographed more than 100 works. In 2002, she was awarded an MBE for services to dance.
Internationally renowned choreographer Lea Anderson, and dance artist and choreographer Arielle Smith, to create two new works for National Youth Dance Wales, working with NYDW for the first time
National Youth Dance Wales partnering with Ballet Cymru for the 2022 residency, with NYDW performing alongside Ballet Cymru as part of their UK autumn tour
Applications are now open for the NYDW 2022 ensemble, open to young dancers aged 16-22 from Wales or based in Wales.
Lea Anderson, one of the UK’s most pioneering choreographers, is perhaps best-known for co-founding The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs, where she choreographed more than 100 works. In 2002, she was awarded an MBE for services to dance.
On the announcement, Lea Anderson said: "I am so happy to be invited to make new work with National Youth Dance Wales this summer and I am looking forward to getting into the studio at last to collaborate with some wonderful young dancers."
Also joining the artistic team for 2022 is Arielle Smith, winner of the Emerging Artist category of the National Dance Awards 2021. She has choreographed works with English National Ballet, collaborating with them in 2021 and with singer Anne-Marie to create a new work for the Team GB Olympic homecoming at Wembley.
Arielle Smith said: “I’m thrilled to be working with National Youth Dance Wales. Now more than ever is a time to come together, create, share and enjoy dance and I’m very excited to work with the next generation of talent.”
Anderson and Smith will each create a new work for National Youth Dance Wales, as NYDW come together for their first summer residency since 2019. They will then perform alongside Ballet Cymru, as part of Ballet Cymru’s autumn UK tour.
Auditioning for NYDW 2022
Each year, National Youth Dance Wales auditions youth dancers from all parts of Wales to join the ensemble. In these friendly and supportive auditions, the young dancers will take part in a full masterclass exploring contemporary dance technique. Those selected will then go on to take part in the summer residency, creating a two new pieces of choreography for performance in the autumn.
For the first time this year, the summer residency will be accompanied by a series of online masterclasses as part of The Celtic Collective, a partnership between NYDW and National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. This joint project helps us deliver world-class training and masterclasses to young dancers, using Zoom to connect young dance artists together.
All young dancers aged 16-22, who were born in Wales or currently live in Wales, are eligible to audition. There are free auditions for those who need financial support – on a “no-questions-asked” basis, and bursaries of up to 100% of fees for those from lower-income families.
Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “We can’t wait to be auditioning once again in all corners of Wales, searching for the next generation of Welsh dance artists.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Leverhulme Trust, Arts Council of Wales, and our bursary fund supporters, we can offer free auditions and up to 100% bursaries for those who need financial support – so there’s literally nothing to lose by auditioning!
“In its 22nd year, National Youth Dance Wales is once again able to bring some of the best choreographers to Wales, allowing young dancers to experience and learn from this unique immersive experience. We can’t wait to showcase their work as they perform alongside Ballet Cymru this autumn.”
For more information about auditioning for National Youth Dance Wales, visit www.nyaw.org.uk/auditions. The deadline for applications is Sunday 20 February, 11.59pm.
First Minister congratulates NYOW on 75th anniversary
First Minister Mark Drakeford has celebrated the importance of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, as part of a special video message recorded for the ensemble’s 75th Anniversary in 2021.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has celebrated the importance of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, as part of a special video message recorded for the ensemble’s 75th Anniversary in 2021.
The First Minister noted that the ensemble - which is the world’s oldest national youth orchestra - plays an important part in the rich musical landscape of Wales, by having supported thousands of young musicians and providing opportunity for them to perform to a professional standard.
He also remarked on the significance of the orchestra’s alumni network, with former members having gone on to perform in professional orchestras around the globe, as well as taking up professional roles in all manners of life, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, business leaders and politicians.
“Whatever their background, the orchestra’s alumni go on to help shape a Wales we are proud to live in.”
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, National Youth Arts Wales has provided a rich programme of support and development to its ensemble members. The First Minister expressed how important it has been for young musicians to be supported through online masterclasses, digital workshops, and wellbeing sessions through this period.
“As the National Youth Orchestra reintroduces activity in-person, it will continue to inspire young musicians of the future.”
As part of its anniversary celebrations in 2021, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales have recently recorded a concert featuring 10 brand new commissions of chamber pieces by Welsh composers. All of the individual performances are available to stream on AM and Youtube - watch them here.
“Congratulations once again to everyone at the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, we wish you continued success, and look forward to seeing what the next 75 years will bring.”
10 new digital commissions help celebrate 75 years of National Youth Orchestra of Wales
National Youth Orchestra of Wales - the world’s oldest national youth orchestra – will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, with the help of 10 new commissions by Welsh composers.
National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) turns 75 in 2021, making it the world’s oldest national youth orchestra
10 new chamber works commissioned by NYOW, from Welsh composers
Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni have been commissioned, including Sir Karl Jenkins, Hilary Tann and Patrick Rimes
National Youth Orchestra of Wales - the world’s oldest national youth orchestra – will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, with the help of 10 new commissions by Welsh composers.
The 10 new chamber works have been commissioned by National Youth Arts Wales for the Orchestra members, and a few alumni, to perform together in small groups. Each composer was offered any combination of instruments from the Orchestra to write for and the pieces vary in scale, from trios and quartets up to chamber works for 15-20 players. Eight of the new works have already been recorded by members and alumni of NYOW in a recording session at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, ready for a special online anniversary celebration on Thursday 21 October.
Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni are amongst the composers to have been commissioned, including Hilary Tann, Patrick Rimes, and Sir Karl Jenkins, who began his musical career as an oboist in the orchestra.
“It’s so exciting, I couldn’t wait to be back playing with people that I haven’t played with in such a long time. It’s like nothing ever changed”
Isobel, NYOW member
“To be back with National Youth Orchestra of Wales is such a pleasure, and a relief! It’s been such a long time but we’re so excited to be back.”
Nathan Dearden, Composer and NYAW Alumni
Photo: Jamie Chapman
The commissioned composers and works are:
Jo Thomas – Seeds (for three clarinets, violin, double bass and percussion)
Bethan Morgan-Williams – Parodi i Dri (for clarinet, violin, piano)
Angharad Jenkins and Patrick Rimes – Music for 13 Players (Gobaith & Kost ar C’hoat)
Lloyd Coleman – Machine (for nine wind players)
Gareth Olubunmi Hughes – Horizon One (for chamber ensemble)
Sir Karl Jenkins – Chums! (arranged chamber ensemble for the NYOW’s 75th anniversary)
Mark Bowden – Wych Elm (two pieces for flute, viola and harp)
Claire Roberts - Rhywbeth ar y gweill (for piano, percussion and strings)
Hilary Tann – Penrhys Fanfare (for four trumpets)
Gillian Mitchell, National Youth Arts Wales’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is so exciting to be able to work with such an illustrious line-up of Welsh composers in this project. National Youth Orchestra of Wales has supported some of Wales’s finest musicians over the decades, and we’re delighted to have an exceptional and varied range of talent on board for this project. Whilst we’re disappointed we’re still unable to bring the full orchestra together for a residency, we’re absolutely thrilled that we are able to meet these chamber groups in person to record a concert that showcases the wonderful orchestral talents we have here in Wales.”
Each piece has been recorded and filmed with appropriate social distancing measures in place, according to public health advice at the time. Along with a range of other online activities, these have replaced the live in-person residency experience, which is still not possible due to ongoing social distancing advice. Throughout the pandemic, NYOW members have benefitted from a host of online masterclasses including from harpist Catrin Finch, violinists Patrick Rimes and Rachel Podger, trumpeter Philip Cobb and clarinettist Robert Plane.
Photo: Jamie Chapman
The world premiere of the 10 pieces will be available to stream online at 7pm on Thursday 21 October, and will be accessible for a limited time thereafter. The concert will be streamed via AM at amam.cymru/nyaw
Each piece will also be available to watch on-demand for a further six months on NYAW’s AM and Youtube channels. Access to the premiere is free-of-charge, with donations welcome to the NYAW bursary fund.
NYOW is operated by National Youth Arts Wales, founded in 2017 to lead the development of Wales’ six prestigious national ensembles, as well as a range of wider projects to provide creative opportunities to young people on the arts.
As a registered charity, National Youth Arts Wales relies on your generous donations to continually ensure that those most deserving can engage with the arts at the highest level, regardless of background or economic means. Find out how you can support us at nyaw.org.uk/support-us
Love is in the air for members of National Youth Theatre of Wales in premiere of first ever film production
A cast of 14 young members of National Youth Theatre of Wales go on an epic music-fuelled journey this October, as their digital production of Y Teimlad | That Feeling is streamed online.
Photo: Kirsten McTernan
National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) premieres their first ever film production, filmed on location throughout Wales
A cast of 14 young actors aged 16-23, from across Wales, perform an epic music-fuelled journey
Screenwriter Hanna Jarman (co-writer on S4C’s Merched Parchus) wrote a specially commissioned script inspired by the ensemble cast
An epic musical score includes a brand new song by singer-songwriter Kizzy Crawford
A co-production between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd, the production will be available to stream online from Theatr Clwyd’s website on Friday 1 – Saturday 9 October.
A cast of 14 young members of National Youth Theatre of Wales go on an epic music-fuelled journey this October, as their digital production of Y Teimlad | That Feeling is streamed online.
In the plot, inspired by the ensemble cast and written by screenwriter Hanna Jarman, the world of ancient Love Gods collides with the reality of love in present day Wales. The vibrant, bilingual mash-up of film and theatre, with a smattering of psychedelic zoom, weaves together the stories of the young characters as they celebrate and re-define what love can be.
The title of the film is taken directly from the beautifully raw 90s song Y Teimlad by the seminal Welsh band Datblygu - and the original recording features in the production, alongside a new version inspired by the cast members, and complimented with the brand-new commission from singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford. The sad and untimely death of the band’s lead singer David R Edwards meant that the re-imaging of the themes by a new generation of young Welsh artists was bitterly poignant.
Hanna Jarman is herself an alumnus of National Youth Theatre of Wales, and was delighted to return to NYTW:
“Being part of NYTW again, 15 years after I joined the first time (as a member in 2006 and 2008) is an incredible privilege. I always say that it was the start of my career as an actor, and it’s also where I met Mari Beard, my co-writer who I work with now on a variety of projects.
“Following discussions with the cast they were really keen on performing something that was fun and specifically not about the pandemic! I really enjoyed that challenge and what better subject to discuss than love?”
It’s the fourth collaboration between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd in recent years, and with Hannah Noone, they have shaped the vision for an ambitious and entertaining theatrical film production, streamed online by Theatr Clwyd, that has focused on the skills performers need for acting for the screen – in both English and Welsh.
“Who said you need a stage to make theatre” NYTW member
The digital production is the first full production NYTW has performed under social distancing guidance. It was clear that the creative team have wanted to fully embrace a digital filmed format instead, allowing a greater platform for responding to the needs and voices of the young performers. For many of the performers, it was the first time acting in front of a camera, helping to boost their experience and skills as versatile artists.
“Had a great time and experience. It helped me so much with the film side of acting and doing a music video was crazy!” NYTW member
“It has really helped me experience different sides of acting, and the experience of acting in front of camera. It has been a blast and I've loved every second. I can't wait for the film, it's going to be amazing!” NYTW member
The collaborative approach of working with the performers was developed further with Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford, who was commissioned to write a brand-new love anthem for our times for the production Cymaint o Liwiau (So many colours) that features in a celebratory 80’s style video choreographed by Matteo Marfoglia.
Under the creative eye of filmmaker Nico Dafydd, filming took place in Covid-secure shoots in locations across Wales, ranging from panoramic vistas of the mountains and sea in Bangor, the poignant emptiness of the iconic main stages at Theatr Clwyd and Sherman Theatre, to the streets and sounds of Cardiff’s Cathays, City Centre and Butetown. Interspersed with these scenes is some highly innovative remote filming from every corner of Wales. There’s even a smattering of psychedelic zoom sessions featuring some squabbling ancient Love Gods whose meetings are elevated by the design of beautiful costumes created for the production by designer Jacob Hughes, fresh from designing at Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
“I worked alongside with some amazing and passionate artists and talented cast and the most ambitious group of people I have ever met” NYTW member
Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with National Youth Theatre of Wales on ‘Y Teimlad / That Feeling’, a bold new hybrid theatre/film project written by the astonishing playwright Hannah Jarman. National Youth Theatre of Wales is an important and innovative organisation who have provided a vital stepping-stone for young Welsh performers for over 40 years. This co-production will help create a showcase for some of Wales’ most promising emerging talent.”
Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Despite the challenges of working during the Covid pandemic, we’ve been working hard to give all of our young members exciting performance opportunities – and this ambitious new commission in English and Welsh is just one example. With some of Wales’s most exciting talent involved in the production, I can’t wait to see what the final results are on screen.
“Our young members have made it clear to us just how important these performances are to them, and we know they can be proud of this epic production for screen, as they progress in their acting careers.”
The project is just part of NYTW’s 2021 season Maniffest. This year-round programme of commissions, collaborations and new creative initiatives demonstrate what empowers young people, and to showcase Wales as young people see it in the 21st century – a vibrant, diverse and bilingual country with a strong artistic voice.
For more information about National Youth Theatre of Wales, visit www.nyaw.org.uk
The production is available to stream on selected dates between Friday 1 and Saturday 9 October. A 24-hour streaming pass costs £5 (£3 access rate, £10 supporter rate). To book tickets, visit www.theatrclwyd.com