National Youth Arts Wales will award more bursaries to young people thanks to new funding from Leverhulme Trust

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been awarded an Art Scholarship grant of £171,990 by the Leverhulme Trust to support training opportunities for young people from lower-income backgrounds to access our advanced performance training in the arts.

Our vision is to build a creative, confident and generous future for Wales by empowering the next generation of musicians, actors, dancers and makers. As well as leading Wales’s five national youth ensembles (theatre, dance, orchestra, choir and brass band), we also have a strategic overview of the health of youth arts throughout Wales. Every year we engage with around 2,000 young people (aged 16-22), drawn from every county in Wales, through exceptional training and performance opportunities.

This new funding from the Leverhulme Trust will allow NYAW to grow its current programme of bursaries and development programmes, ensuring that household income should never be a barrier for the most talented young people to aspire to a career in the arts. As well as offering fee reductions of up to 100% for our summer residencies, those most in need will also receive a bursary grant to help cover travel costs and other expenses. NYAW will continue offering automatic fee waivers for young people coming from households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or full Welsh Government Learning Grants, as well as young carers, those seeking asylum or care-experienced members.

Evan Dawson, NYAW’s CEO, commented on the announcement: “At National Youth Arts Wales, we are all delighted and humbled to receive this funding from the Leverhulme Trust. With their support, we will continue to ensure every young person in Wales can access advanced and joyful performance training in the arts, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Along with this grant from the Leverhulme Trust, the NYAW Bursary Fund is also supported annually by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, and the Friends of National Youth Orchestra of Wales. We’re also grateful to all the individuals who give to our bursary fund by direct debit – you can join them by visiting https://www.nyaw.org.uk/support-us.

NYAW’s expanded bursary scheme is just one part of the ongoing effort to work towards a more equitable arts sector for young performers. NYAW is also expanding its range of development projects, designed to provide targeted tuition to young people from under-represented communities, such as those with a disability, or from communities who experience racism. These include the Strings Attached and Cor Skills programmes, and the Assemble project for non-mainstream schools.

About the Leverhulme Trust

Since its foundation in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust has provided grants and scholarships for research and education, funding research projects, fellowships, studentships, bursaries and prizes; it operates across all the academic disciplines, the intention being to support talented individuals as they realise their personal vision in research and professional training. Today, it is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing approximately £120 million a year. For more information about the Trust, please visit www.leverhulme.ac.uk 

National Youth Arts Wales Launches Strings Attached Initiative

At National Youth Arts Wales, we believe all young people should have the opportunity to flourish through the arts. As part of our strategic responsibility for the ecology of youth arts in Wales, we identify key talent pathways into our five national ensembles, and work with partners to actively address any gaps.

Strings Attached is a new project for young string players of Grade 4 standard and above, run in collaboration with the South-East Wales music services.

The first 2-day event took place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on 12 and 13 October, bringing together over 50 young string players from across South Wales to join National Youth Arts Wales.

Participants worked intensively with the NYOW Tutorial team, preparing some fantastic string repertoire whilst learning more about playing techniques and ensemble working. They were supported by tutors from the music services and a team of Peer Mentors, young musicians from within the ranks of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

There was also an opportunity to hear more about the audition process for the National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones from National Youth Arts Wales with tutors who sit on the NYAW audition panels and the Peer Mentors who have been through the audition process a number of times themselves.

The weekend ended in a wonderful sharing of the music they’d learned, with the standard of playing testament to the hard work and dedication the participants had shown across the weekend.

Megan George from RCT and participant in the project said: “It really enjoyed playing for the whole weekend. The choice of pieces was great and it was so useful to learn some proper string orchestral techniques”

 A parent of a participant said: “There are some areas of Wales that have lost their regional youth orchestra and making the jump from county to National level can feel like a hug leap. The standard achieved in two days was incredibly impressive and has given the students the opportunity to bridge that gap. We need more of these days!”

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales said: “During the COVID lockdowns, most opportunities for young musicians were taken away. Those who had just started their musical journey at the time arguably being the most affected. Suddenly their ability to progress was halted, weekly rehearsals and lessons were suspended, and playing with like-minded young people in a residential situation was impossible.

It is now a priority for everyone in music education in Wales to urgently provide intermediate learners with additional support to recover lost ground, regain their inspiration, and reach their full potential. Underpinned by the National Music Service for Wales, collaborative and joined up working with music services and other organisations means we can do more together.”  

This weekend was the first of what we hope will be a continuing programme of work, with plans already in the pipeline for similar projects in North, West and Mid-Wales.

NYAW is very thankful to the generous support of Colwinston Trust, ABRSM and the Arts & Business Culture Step fund as well as our core funders, Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service whose funding has made the Strings Attached project possible.

Shaping the Future of Music in Wales: NYAW’s Breathtaking Summer

This summer, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) brought together the most talented young musicians from throughout Wales for a series of intensive musical residencies and concerts. Featuring our famous national youth ensembles – Brass Band, Choir, and Orchestra – it was a season of passion, creativity and unforgettable performances.

231 young musicians, representing every corner of Wales, took part. Together, they performed ten concerts in some of Wales’s most iconic venues: in St Davids (in partnership with Fishguard Festival), Bangor, St Asaph, Cardiff and Swansea. Each performance was both breathtaking and groundbreaking, with the energy and enthusiasm of the young musicians felt by everyone in the audience.

One highlight was NYAW’s first-ever relaxed concert at the All Nations Centre in Cardiff. This innovative event made live music accessible for everyone, welcoming people of all abilities to experience the joy of a live orchestra performance. Many of those attending had never been to a classical music concert before.

Guided by the expertise of world-class conductors Erik Janssen, Tim Rhys-Evans and Tianyi Lu, accompanied by their respective creative teams, each ensemble reached new heights of excellence. Their passion and leadership inspired the young musicians to give their best, creating performances that were not only technically impressive but also deeply moving.

Matthew Jones, National Youth Arts Wales Senior Producer said: “As always, it was an absolute privilege and pleasure to work with the extremely talented members of the NYAW Music Ensembles. There were so many highlights, including wonderful concerts in the beautiful St David’s Cathedral as part of the Fishguard Festival; a fabulous 40th Anniversary concert with the Choir at the Brangwyn Hall; and a first relaxed concert for the Orchestra. It is always a huge team effort to make these residencies and concert tours the success they are, so thank you to the whole NYAW staff team, the tutor, welfare, and stage management teams, our wonderful conductors, and of course the young people themselves! I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings – so get applying!”

With the 2024 season now behind us, the excitement is already building for what’s to come in 2025. NYAW continues to nurture and inspire the next generation of Welsh musicians, and with so much talent already shining, the future looks brighter than ever.

If you’re a young musician looking to be part of this incredible experience, now is the perfect time to apply for the 2025 NYAW music ensembles. Don’t miss your chance to work with world-renowned conductors, perform in amazing venues, and join a community of talented young musicians.

Evan Dawson, National Youth Arts Wales CEO said: “This summer, we have once again witnessed Wales’s extraordinary ability to produce world-class young musicians. What makes these ensembles so special is that, in addition to virtuosic playing, the young musicians form such a supportive community to help bring out the best in each other. It is humbling and inspiring. As we look to the future, it is vital that we continue to champion the importance of music for all young people, building on the excellent work being done in schools and communities throughout Wales, in very difficult circumstances. Please help us spread the word about our next round of auditions, and if there is anything you can do to support our work financially, we will ensure it is used to support the arts for young people throughout Wales”.

Are you the future of music in Wales? Apply to audition today for your chance to be a part of NYAW’s unforgettable journey in 2025. The stage is yours!

West End movement director and celebrated Choreographer Yukiko Masui kicks off National Youth Dance Wales 2024 residency and cross-border exchange with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland

Excitement is bursting as this year’s National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) residency, which is in full swing at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Seventeen talented young dancers have been selected and have gathered from throughout Wales for an intense and exhilarating period of training and creation.  

This year, NYDW is thrilled to announce that the residency is being led by the internationally acclaimed choreographer and Equity Honorary Life Member Yukiko Masui, fresh from working as Movement Director on The Jamie Lloyd Company’s West End production of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to working with Yukiko Masui, our dancers will also have the opportunity to take daily classes with a diverse group of dance artists, exploring a wide range of styles from contemporary to physical theatre. This exposure to various techniques and perspectives ensures a well-rounded experience, allowing each dancer to expand their skill set and artistic expression. 

Watch "NYDW 2024 in the studio with Yukiko Masui".

This year’s company is a vibrant mix of returning alumni and fresh faces. We are proud to welcome back nine returning dancers, who bring with them experience and an understanding of the NYDW ethos and values. Alongside them, eight new dancers are joining the company for the first time following nationwide auditions last February.  

As part of our exciting Celtic Collective partnership, this year’s cohort includes a dancer participating in an exchange programme with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. This initiative is 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.  

Maura, NYDW member and Celtic Collective exchange student said: “Having never been to Wales, it’s been such an experience travelling down to a new part of the UK. I’m quite a shy, reserved person, the residency has really made me come out of my shell due to it's intense schedule, wellbeing and social programme. The residency has left me feeling so good about myself. Meeting other NYDW members has taught me so much about professional training, which has been so helpful and I’ve now made supportive connections with other youth dancers all thanks to this residency and the work of Anna from NYDCS and Jamie from NYDW”. 

 In exchange, Eira, a NYDW dancer from Gwynedd, North Wales, will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by joining the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland later in the year. 

Eira said: “I'm beyond excited to join the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland as part of the Celtic Collective exchange programme. The chance to work with such talented dancers and choreographers is truly incredible, and I can't wait to visit Scotland and immerse myself in this experience. I'm so thankful for this amazing opportunity”  

Jamie Jenkins, National Youth Dance Wales producer said: “This exchange with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland is a fantastic opportunity for our dancers to experience different creative environments and learn from their peers across the UK. It’s all about expanding horizons, building connections, and pushing the boundaries of what our young dancers can achieve. We’re so pleased to continue this partnership this year and we’re looking forward to seeing how this partnership evolves and enriches both our companies dancers.” 

As the residency continues, anticipation is building for the final performances as guest performers with the award-winning company Ballet Cymru, where these young talented dancers will showcase the results of their hard work under Masui’s expert guidance. With the combination of Masui’s visionary choreography, the diverse talents of the dancers, and the innovative spirit of NYDW, who’ll be hitting a significant 25-year milestone in 2025, this year’s residency is set to be a groundbreaking chapter in the company’s history. 

National Youth Theatre Wales Announces Their 2024 Touring Production “Dal Gafael / Hold On” in Partnership with Fio and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru

National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) proudly announces its innovative theatre production, Dal Gafael / Hold On, created in partnership with Fio and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. Premiering on 4 September at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre, before travelling to Galeri Caernarfon, this dynamic production directed by Dr. Sita Thomas will showcase the exceptional talents of its 22-member cast, who represent the brightest young performers from across Wales.

Dal Gafael / Hold On has been specifically commissioned for NYTW’s 2024 youth ensemble and is co-written by exciting Welsh playwrights Mared Llywelyn and Steven Kavuma.

The bilingual play intricately weaves together the journeys of two people, each grappling with personal challenges amid the backdrop of a climate crisis and a rapidly changing world. Their lives unexpectedly intersect, leading them to confront not only their own struggles but also the broader implications of their environment. As they navigate these challenges, they question the promises of Echo Earth, a cutting-edge city that vows to safeguard its citizens.

The writing team has taken an innovative writing approach, bringing together two distinct voices and blending both via online and in-person collaboration. Mared, from Pen Llŷn and Steven, Ugandan-born and Swansea-raised, bring diverse perspectives that enrich the narrative, creating a compelling exploration of Welsh culture and contemporary global issues including themes of identity, friendship, grief, and the climate crisis.

Under the artistic direction of Dr Sita Thomas with creative support from Steffan Donnelly, both themselves NYTW alumni, the talented cast successfully auditioned earlier this year and will undertake an immersive ensemble residency during August. The 3-week programme not only focuses on rehearsals but is built to enhance social well-being and professional development. It ensures that each participant flourishes within a supportive and professionally led community. The bilingual nature of the production holds particular significance, providing young people with the invaluable opportunity to collaborate, train, and share their experiences in both Welsh and English, thereby deepening their connection to their shared cultural heritage.

Dr Sita Thomas, Director and Movement Director/Choreography of Dal Gafael / Hold On, expressed her enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the National Youth Theatre of Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol for the much-anticipated Summer production of 2024. As a former member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales in 2006, it is a true honour to return to direct this year's production. This collaboration marks a powerful alliance highlighting our joint dedication to nurturing the talents and energies of Wales' next generation of actors and theatre makers. Together, we embark on a journey to spotlight Global Majority and Welsh language stories, cultures, and politics. Our collective commitment to platforming these narratives will be evident as we delve into the exploration of cultural mythologies and address pressing issues of our time such as climate justice. This production promises to be a celebration of Wales' diverse perspectives, an ode to our shared heritage, and a testament to the vibrant and dynamic theatrical landscape that Wales has to offer. We look forward to this exciting venture and welcoming audiences to our performances in the Summer."

Steffan Donnelly, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, added: “It’s very exciting for Theatr Gen to be collaborating with Fio and NYAW on a new bilingual writing examining the climate crisis and centring young voices in contemporary Wales. This production offers young people experiences and pathways into the arts which is so important to us. Back in 2009 I was a member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales, and it was an incredible formative experience - I learnt so much and I’m still friends with many of the artists I met there – so being part of this project feels especially meaningful.”

Audiences will be immersed in the staging and narrative, including the use of video and a soundscape from the talents of sound designer, Eadyth Crawford. Infused with heartfelt emotion and an unflinching exploration of the responsibilities borne by older generations and those in power to safeguard our planet’s future.

Co-writer Mared Llywelyn shared her thoughts: “I’m deeply inspired by the opportunity to co-write a bilingual play that delves into themes of climate and identity, grounded in Welsh folklore.”

 Co-writer Steven Kavuma echoed this sentiment: “This is my first writing for young people in Wales and I'm so excited to collaborate with you and write material that suits you. Cymru am byth and dat, yeah”.

Megan Childs, Producer for NYTW, highlighted the importance of the project: "By bringing together outstanding creative partners and artists, NYTW aim to elevate the stories and experiences of the young people of Wales and make sure our talented young company get to shine on stage."

Catch Dal Gafael / Hold On as it premieres in South Wales before touring to North Wales this September. This production is not only a showcase of Welsh youth talent but also a vital platform for discussions about our shared future.

Performance Dates:

All performances will be captioned in both Welsh and English.

• Cardiff: Sherman Theatre, Tue 3 Sept - 8pm; Wed 4 Sep - 8pm BSL interpreted & Audio Described

• Caernarfon: Galeri, Fri 6 Sept – 7.30pm Captioned; Saturday 7 Sept – 5pm

 For more information and updates, please visit nyaw.org.uk and follow our journey on social media @NationalYouthTheatreWales.

National Youth Arts Wales Celebrates Success at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd

The National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd has always been a celebration of Welsh culture, creativity, and community spirit, and this year was no exception. As always, the event was a grand showcase of the nation’s finest talents, and amongst those making waves were several members and alumni of National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW). Their remarkable performances and achievements underscored the continuing success and influence of NYAW in shaping the next generation of Welsh artists.

Amongst the many members and alumni we spotted on the Maes was Kellie-Gwen Morgan from National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW), who wowed the judges and won in the dialogue competition with their acting partner. Another highlight was the strong representation of NYAW members in the instrumental competitions. Many of our National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) members participated with Band Ieuenctid De Cymru and Band Pres Ieuenctid Beaumaris.

In the choral category, Côr Taflais, co-conducted by NYAW Changemaker and National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) member Caradog Jones, won the ‘New Choir for the Eisteddfod’ competition formed especially for this year’s Eisteddfod. This achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration that are at the heart of NYAW’s ethos, showcasing how our members contribute to the broader cultural landscape of Wales.  We were also thrilled to see NYCW members Branwen Medi Jones secure second place in both the “alaw werin” solo competition and the solo from a musical competition, along with Erin Thomas, who impressed by taking second place in the mezzo/contralto/countertenor solo competition. However, it wasn’t just current members we saw. It was great to see NYCW alumni Caitlin Hockley and Rhys Archer securing second places in the solo soprano and tenor competitions respectively as well as Nathan James Dearden claiming the prestigious Tlws y Cyfansoddwr.

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer for NYAW said: “As always, the National Eisteddfod was a fantastic celebration of Wales’s rich culture. Given that this cultural life feels quite threatened at the moment, it was fantastic to be a part of such a vibrant celebration. Congratulations to all our members and alumni who took part, performed on stage and enjoyed success and even worked behind the scenes. It was lovely to walk around the Maes and see so many familiar, friendly faces!”

In addition to these triumphs, NYAW's orchestral musicians also made a significant impact. Five of our current National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) string players formed the ensemble for a beautiful chamber performance of Fauré’s Requiem at the newly renovated Muni Arts Centre.

As the Eisteddfod drew to a close, we saw NYOW percussionists join our string players to play at the closing concert, who performed a new piece inspired by the National Anthem. This performance was a fitting conclusion to a week that has highlighted the talent and unity of the NYAW community.

National Youth Arts Wales and ABRSM working together to boost music education in Wales

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) and The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) are excited to announce a new partnership to support music education in Wales.

Both organisations share a commitment to championing high-quality, accessible, engaging and inclusive music education and experiences for young people throughout Wales.

 The partnership was announced at a concert by the National Youth Brass Band of Wales at the Great Hall, Swansea on Sunday 28 July.

 During the first year, the partnership will focus on the following three strands:

 1. Talent Pathways

NYAW holds auditions throughout Wales every year - and then supports the most talented young musicians to form ensembles, receiving world-leading tuition and performing together.

To enable this to happen, NYAW works with music services, organisations and schools throughout Wales to analyse progression routes across different instruments (and voices) and music genres.

 Drawing on the above work, NYAW and ABRSM will identify cold spots in provision for young people and deliver a range of projects, including "Côr Skills" to give singers an experience of choral singing, and “Strings Attached” a programme to boost the skills of young violin, viola, bass and cello players.

2. Youth Voice

ABRSM and NYAW will support each other's youth representation programmes, including providing young people with new opportunities for training, influencing policy and work experience. NYAW has recently appointed three young trustees to its board and created a group of young 'ChangeMakers' to influence NYAW activities. It will share these experiences with ABRSM, with a view to developing new models of best practice for the arts sector together.

3. Data

ABRSM and NYAW will develop new ways of gathering data about music education and participation throughout Wales, and correlate their existing data, to identify which instruments are being learnt to a high standard, which are less popular, and which areas of the country are most in need of support.

James Welburn, Deputy Head of Engagement of ABRSM said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with National Youth Arts Wales on what we anticipate will be an engaging and energetic partnership in support of young musicians across Wales. We’re particularly excited about our youth voice programmes, helping to embed the voices of young people within our organisations and the wider sector, and keeping young musicians at the heart of all we do.”

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said: “ABRSM is one of the world’s leading music education organisations and we're excited to embark on this new partnership. Together, we understand the emotional role that music plays in the lives of young people, recognising and celebrating the diverse range of backgrounds each individual brings, while drawing on our musical network of composers, teachers and performers. We are all thrilled to be working in closer partnership with ABRSM to help inspire and support young people to flourish through creative, innovative and generous music-making, throughout all of Wales.” 

Congratulations to our 2024 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

Solomon Maghur

The David Mabey Prize

Awarded to the most improved player on the residency

Cari Jones

The Principal Cornet Trophy

In memory of Tony Small

Erin Maloney

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES

The Haydn Davies Award

Awarded to the most promising player still in education

Xinrong Zou

The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards

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

Sharon Liang and Mali Wood

The Wil Jones Prize

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

Amélie Donovan

The Goronwy Evans Award

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

Carys Williams

The Tony Moore Harp Prize

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

Yasmin Richards

The Tony Moore Percussion Prize

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

Max Manuel

The Welfare Team Prize

For overall contribution to the Orchestra

Aled Thistlewood

A Summer of Breathtaking Concerts by Wales’s Finest Young Musicians

We are delighted to announce our exceptionally talented cohort of 2024 members across the National Youth Brass Band, Orchestra and Choir of Wales will be touring throughout Wales this summer, showcasing their skill and commitment in a series of awe-inspiring public concerts. Visiting venues right across the Country from Pembrokeshire to Denbigh this July, August and September and tickets are now on sale.

Following a comprehensive audition process earlier this year, our ensemble members have been selected to represent Wales with a coveted place in their respective National Youth Ensembles of Wales. Soon our members will be embarking on a week-long residency, working with sensational creative teams from around the world, perfecting their concert repertoire before taking to the stage to wow audiences in Bangor, St Asaph, Lampeter, Swansea and Cardiff. All three Ensembles will also perform in the prestigious St Davids Cathedral as part of the Fishguard Music Festival 2024.

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer of NYAW, said: “One of the best parts of my job is experiencing the fantastic performances by our music ensembles. Amongst some of the most talented musicians in Wales, our young members work hard during our summer residencies to put together an exciting programme of music for you to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you to our performances, where together we can celebrate the best of Wales’s musical talent.”

For the very first time, National Youth Orchestra of Wales will perform an inclusive, relaxed concert. Taking place in Cardiff’s All Nations Centre, this reduced-length performance is designed to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for all audiences, including disabled people, younger children and audience members who are neurodivergent.

Celebrating the work of NYAW Alumni is also a feature of this year’s season. The ensembles will be performing music written by three former members with Cardiff-born Michael Triggs’ Steel Tracks being performed by the Brass Band, Five Windows by Niamh O’Donnell from Aberystwyth featured in the Orchestra programme whilst the Choir will perform Cainc, a brand-new commission by Carmarthen born composer Claire Victoria Roberts to a poem written by celebrated Welsh poet, Mererid Hopwood.

With an exciting summer of breathing concerts coming to a venue near you, there’s something for everyone. Don't miss out—visit our What's On page for the full listings and join us in hearing the future of Welsh music.

Our Relaxed Concert at All Nations Centre, Cardiff

On 31 August, National Youth Orchestra of Wales will perform a relaxed concert, designed to be inclusive and welcoming for all ages and access needs.

In this guide, you can find out more about what to expect, and what we’ll have in place on the day to help you enjoy the concert.

• Read the guide - (PDF format)

• Read the guide - (Word document)

• Read our Visual Guide to the All Nations Centre (Word document)

What is a Relaxed Concert?

A concert that is suitable for all audiences, no matter their age or access needs.

The venue has flexible seating with plenty of space for wheelchairs, mobility vehicles or prams / buggies.

There will be two breakout spaces for anyone feeling overwhelmed, highly stimulated or would benefit from quiet time at any point during the concert.  These are located in the foyer and a separate room where the concert can be relayed via screen. If you need any support, a member of NYAW staff in a red t-shirt will be able to direct you to these spaces.

This concert will be shorter than a typical orchestral concert. It will feature elements of the Orchestra’s main concert programme and will last approximately 1hr 15minutes.

There will be an open-door policy and audience members are free to come and go and communicate as they need to.

Orchestra members won’t be wearing formal concert dress, instead they’ll be wearing their own clothes.

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The Music

Five Windows by Niamh O’Donnell

This piece has been written by a young composer from Aberystwyth called Niamh (pronounced Neeve) O’Donnell. Niamh’s music was inspired by different paintings by artists George Braque and Wassily Kandinsky. The music, split into five sections describes what Niamh sees and feels when looking at the paintings. You can find a recording of her piece here: Niamh O'Donnell; Five Windows - recording

The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky

The Firebird was a ballet written by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsy in 1910. Stravinsky later created three suites of the ballet music for concert performances. The music you’ll hear in this concert is selected movements from the suite that was written in 1945.

The theme of the music is based on Russion folktales, and you’ll hear Stravinsky depict enchanted gardens, evil princes, love and of course the magical Firebird!

Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev

Another Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, wrote his ballet Romeo and Juliet based on William Shakespeare’s play in 1940. The orchestra will be performing  selected movements from the ballet in this performance, including one movement that anyone who watches The Apprentice, will recognise instantly!

Each movement beautifully describes in music a different element of Shakespeare’s famous story of these star-crossed lovers.

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On the Day

The concert will start at 3.30pm, but we will open doors from 2.30pm, so feel free to come early and get accustomed to the concert space and the venue.

We will have staff available to help with parking and showing you to the venue.

The Orchestra will start making their way to the stage area from around 3.15pm and spend some time playing their instruments to warm up ready for the start of the concert.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this relaxed concert will no longer include BSL interpretation. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

The Venue

The All Nations Centre is a fully accessible venue with no lips greater than 1cm to get around the whole building.

All activity for this concert will happen on the ground floor, but there is a lift to the first floor if required.

There are accessible toilets available on the ground floor.

Car Parking

There are 260 free parking spaces in two adjacent car parks, with plenty of accessible parking available. We also have the ability to designate additional accessible parking spaces if required.

Accessible parking will be provided in the West car park, accessible via Sachville Avenue, of Whitchurch Road.

Travel to the Venue

The All Nations Centre is well placed for driving and there are 260 free car parking spaces for delegates in two adjacent car parks.

The West Car Park is accessed via Sachville Avenue off Whitchurch Road. This is the smaller of the two car parks and so it fills up quicker. This car park will be used for accessible parking and so we encourage anyone who does not need accessible parking to use the East car park instead.

The East Car Park is accessed straight off the A48 slip road into Cardiff and offers over 200 spaces.

Get in touch

If you have any questions relating to this concert, then please do get in touch with us at nyaw@nyaw.org.uk or ring us on 029 2280 7420 and we will be pleased to help.

National Youth Theatre of Wales members go behind the scenes with National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre’s ‘Nye’

National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) is excited to launch its 2024 membership offer with Professional Pathways run in partnership with Theatr Clwyd and in association with Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) with this unique opportunity to engage in an intensive day of workshops led by industry professionals. Designed to nurture young talent across Wales, Professional Pathways is open to 16–22-year-olds, who want to gain performance skills and learn about the theatre industry including backstage roles.

In May, more than 40 young people watched one of the hottest tickets in town, as they went behind-the-scenes at the latest National Theatre (NT) and Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) co-production of ‘Nye’. Starring Michael Sheen, himself an alumnus of NYTW, the cast and creative team also featured several NYTW alumni including Remy Beasley, Lee Mengo, Dyfan Dwyfor and Mali O’Donnell.

“National Youth Theatre of Wales is one of the most special things I ever did and I carry it with me, to this day”

— Remy Beasley, NYTW alumni

Led by Nye’s Associate Director, Francesca Goodridge and Wales Millennium Centre’s Bablu Shikdar the NYTW 24 members took part in script and physical theatre workshops based on scenes from Nye alongside sessions on presenting, podcasting, and career pathways, offering invaluable insights into the diverse avenues within the arts.

The cohort were also given an insight into the exciting new plans for the creative spaces and opportunities for young people within Wales Millennium Centre

Other highlights of the day included access to the Nye cast’s pre-performance preparations along with a Q&A session with cast members and creative team on the production. This provided an inspiring platform for NYTW’s young members to connect with seasoned professionals and gain first-hand knowledge of the industry. The young participants also enjoyed watching Nye in the Donald Gordan Theatre, which was met with great enthusiasm.

During the Q&A session, alumni Remy Beasley said: “National Youth Theatre of Wales is one of the most special things I ever did and I carry it with me, to this day. Most of my best friends that I have now are from National Youth Theatre of Wales. These relationships will go on for decades of your life. It’s a very special place to be.”

NYTW Producer, Megan Childs said: “This was the perfect start to the NYTW 2024 programme, bringing  past and present NYTW members together through this landmark NT and WMC play by Tim Price, himself a writer of past NYTW productions. We’re very grateful for the generosity the Nye company and Wales Millennium Centre have shown in throwing their practice and doors open to the next generation of Welsh artists, offering the perfect balance of inspiration and skills development that Professional Pathways aims for”

NYTW extends heartfelt thanks to NT and WMC for making this enriching experience possible.

Looking ahead, NYTW is eagerly anticipating a full residential weekend of Professional Pathways activity at Theatr Clwyd in June centred around the play Rope by Patrick Hamilton as well as announcing details of the much-anticipated summer production in partnership with Theatr Genedalethol Cymru and Fio theatre company.

National Youth Arts Wales calls for public recognition that arts participation is vital to the mental wellbeing of all young people.

During Mental Health Week 2024, we are highlighting the crisis in teenage mental health in Wales, and the significant role that arts participation could play in addressing this.

Mental Health of Young People in Wales

24% of teenagers in Wales reported “very high” levels of mental health symptoms in the years following COVID-19 lockdowns, according to the latest report from the School Health Research Network (SHRN) at Cardiff University. Girls were almost twice as likely as boys to have reported very high levels of mental health symptoms.

Similarly, Mind Cymru published research showing that 34% of young people aged 16-24 experienced declining mental health during the past year. High numbers reported feeling more stressed (42%), more anxious (41%), more depressed (36%) and suffering worse sleep (39%), and around a third also reported developing feelings of loneliness (30%).

The Wonderful Effects of Arts Participation

Evidence published by the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at UCL shows that young people who engage regularly in the arts are at a lower risk of depression in adolescence. They also have higher self-esteem, which in turn affects lifelong development and wellbeing.

For the hundreds of young people taking part in the NYAW youth ensembles and projects, we have seen first-hand the important role the arts plays in their health and happiness:

An NYAW Residency Member said: “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.”

We have heard similarly positive news stories from our many partner organisations throughout Wales, including National Music Services Wales, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the Aloud Charity, National Dance Company Wales, Ballet Cymru, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Theatr Clwyd and others. Wales has a rich and diverse ecology of arts opportunities for young people, from primary age, right up to higher education, and beyond. The introduction of the National Plan for Music Education in 2022 helped increase collaboration across all the national music organisations, and we are developing similar strategies across the theatre and dance sectors.

Public Investment in the Arts

In its budget for 2024-25, the Welsh Government made cuts across many sectors to address a significant shortfall in its £23bn budget. Support for culture, sport and tourism has dropped by £16m (including a 10.5% cut to the Arts Council of Wales) as the government reprioritises spending for health services. This will drop by a further £1.9m as local authority budgets are impacted.

As a result, arts provision for young people will inevitably be reduced. All the evidence above suggests that we will see a direct impact on the mental and physical health of young people throughout Wales, with knock-on impacts to the NHS and social services. Those consequential additional costs could be greater than the £18m that has been taken away from arts provision.

Evan Dawson, CEO of NYAW said: “The budget for arts education and participation in Wales delivers a huge return on that investment. We urgently need the government to understand that spending less on arts provision for young people will increase strain on the NHS. Conversely, if we invest more in targeted arts provision, we would support mental health for everyone, whilst building a confident, creative and generous Wales for future generations.”

David Jackson OBE, Chair of NYAW said: “The positive impact on mental health of participating in the arts is well established, and never has this effect been more needed than now. It is crucial that National Youth Arts Wales should continue to develop and expand its activities for the benefit of the young people of Wales.”

National Youth Arts Wales launches Change Makers.

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) empowers the next generation of musicians, actors, dancers and makers to build a creative, confident and generous future for Wales. 

On Earth Day 2024, we are excited to launch the Change Makers - a new youth collective that supports young creatives to influence the future of the arts throughout Wales. It will nurture the next generation of arts leaders, with a focus on environmental, cultural and social issues.  

We believe that all young people should have access to a wide range of artistic and cultural opportunities as part of a healthy, connected and fulfilled life. Bringing together young visionaries from across Wales, Change Makers will provide a platform to shape the strategic and artistic direction of NYAW, and influence change in the wider Welsh arts sector. The collective will help identify the barriers that prevent so many young people from participating in the arts, and how these could be overcome. It will empower young people to drive progress and ensure their voices are heard throughout the organisation. 

In addition to facilitating dialogue and action, Change Makers will serve as a hub for nurturing future leaders of the Welsh arts sector. Through masterclasses and skills training sessions led by influential professionals, members will have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and broaden their own career horizons. 

Mason Edwards, Assistant Producer at NYAW said: "I'm delighted to see the Change Makers collective launching, as National Youth Arts Wales continues its work towards instilling Youth Voice in all areas of the organisation. As collective members not only will these young people have a seat at the NYAW table, but also the opportunity to come together as the next generation of arts leaders and help shape the future of Welsh arts for the better”. 

The Change Makers are ten young people, aged 18-25 from many walks of life throughout Wales - united by their passion for the arts and their commitment to positive change. They will meet throughout the year to collaborate on key initiatives such as environmental stewardship, community partnerships, social responsibility and diversity and inclusion measures. 

At the core of the project lies the Change Makers Report, an ambitious document crafted by its members to guide NYAW's work in the coming years. This will represent a collective vision of a more just, equitable and vibrant future, serving as a compass as NYAW navigates the road ahead. 

Rightkeysonly, NYAW Change Maker said: “Being physically disabled, neurodivergent, and part of the LGBT+ community myself, I am driven to improve access to the arts, as it wasn't always available to me growing up. I believe NYAW is making the arts more accessible for diverse individuals, and I'd like to contribute to that journey”. 

Karema Ahmed, another NYAW Change Maker said: “Joining NYAW as a Change Maker offers invaluable learning opportunities. I love the diverse perspectives within the project, enabling us to understand each other better. I hope that after this project, we are all able to get a better perspective on what needs changing to better the future”. 

To find out more about the project and to read the Change Makers individual stories, head over to the Change Makers webpage.  

National Youth Arts Wales is helping young people make their mark on the Welsh music scene.

At the end of March, extraordinary music filled the air as over 20 young musicians from throughout Wales came together at Rockfield Studios, Monmouth for the “Music Futures” residency week.  

The “Music Futures” project, led by National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW), is a contemporary music development programme for Wales’s music makers of the future. It enables young people aged 16-18, from diverse backgrounds, to find their potential as artists, and supports them to enter the current Welsh music scene. The project covers genres such as Grime, Indie, Electronica and RnB.  

Hosted in the iconic Rockfield Studios, where legends such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, Coldplay and Oasis have made iconic recordings, the Music Futures residency was an exhilarating journey of creativity, collaboration and discovery. Thanks to generous funding from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales, these aspiring musicians were selected to take part in the free week-long programme of songwriting workshops, industry discussions, recording and collaboration sessions and mentorship opportunities. 

Gerwyn Evans, Creative Wales Deputy Director, said: “Our Creative Skills Fund was set up to create opportunities for aspiring creatives from all backgrounds and promote inclusive practice across the sectors. It’s fantastic to see NYAW putting their funding to excellent use by providing practical, real-life experiences for the music artists of our next generation, and in such an iconic setting! Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Arts Council for Wales will also enable us to identify new ways of working together which will benefit young creatives and open new doors into the creative industries.”

Throughout the week, participants were guided by our industry professional Mentors and Future Mentors, honing their skills and exploring new horizons in music production, songwriting, and performance. From mastering the art of stage presence to delving into the intricacies of audio engineering, the residency provided a platform for young talents to shine and grow. For many participants, they had already developed skills in computer-based music production – but this was their first opportunity to learn how to collaborate in real time with other musicians. 

Lily Webbe, NYAW Music Futures Trainee Producer, said: “The Music Futures residency was such a positive and exhilarating experience for all involved. I hope that this experience has inspired them to explore their creativity and helped them discover the many different pathways and opportunities that the Welsh music scene has to offer. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the fantastic mentors and future mentors that have been involved in this project, and the amazing team at Rockfield. Their support really helped to make the residency a truly magical experience for all.”  

Skye Dunning, a participant in this year Music Futures programme said: “This residency has helped everyone in terms of building our courage within recording original music and it has also provided us with useful information in relation to releasing, marketing and promoting our music too. Although we were only there for three days, the industry talks, the collectiveness of the project and being able to collaborate with new people of diverse genres and styles has definitely helped me build my own confidence too”.  

But the journey doesn't end there. As we bid farewell to the Music Futures residency week, we look forward to the next chapter in the young participant's musical journey. Soon, you’ll be able to hear the future of Welsh music yourself in an upcoming gig, where these extraordinary young artists will take centre stage, ready to put all they’ve learnt into practice.  

Join NYAW as we celebrate the boundless potential of the next generation at The Corn Exchange, Newport on April 28th and get ready to witness the future of music in all its glory. 

Book your tickets via Corn Exchange today! 

National Youth Arts Wales boosts its commitment to supporting Deaf and disabled young performers.

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) staff team kicked off 2024 with a renewed approach to supporting Deaf and disabled young performers throughout Wales. Over four days, the whole staff team worked with inclusive arts specialists Taking Flight to develop their ability to support, connect and engage with Deaf and disabled young people. The training aimed to enable those across the organisation to provide a much higher level of bespoke support to each individual young performer, and ensure that NYAW’s ensembles and projects can be welcoming to all young people.

The series of innovative and interactive workshops enabled staff members to increase their understanding of inclusivity and access through hands-on training, supported by a fantastic team of Taking Flight facilitators with lived experience of disability. Specialisms such as blind awareness, Deaf awareness and sector-specific equality training were covered in detail, leading to thought-provoking discussions as a starting point for ongoing and embedded change.

Following the training, Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of NYAW said: “At National Youth Arts Wales, we know that creativity and cultural participation are vital ingredients of a healthy, happy and connected life. Every young person in Wales should have the opportunity to explore their own artistic potential. Talent does not discriminate - so this opportunity to work in-depth with Taking Flight has helped us understand the main barriers for young Deaf and disabled people to engage with us. We will continue to do everything we can to make National Youth Arts Wales a welcoming, supportive and truly creative community for everyone. It’s really exciting.”

With 17% of NYAW ensemble members identifying as Deaf or disabled in 2023, staff members are looking forward to applying this training directly to their work across ensembles, projects and beyond. This includes projects such as the “Assemble” partnership programme with National Youth Theatre GB, which is designed to support Deaf and disabled young people through long-term interventions in non-mainstream schools.

Hope Dowsett, Participation and Learning Producer at NYAW said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Taking Flight for running such a thought-provoking, insightful and interesting series of training sessions with us. Every staff member involved benefitted and improved their knowledge of working with disabled people, and we are now starting to apply this knowledge directly to our work. This will enable us to provide an even better experience to the amazing young people we work with each year.”

Steph Bailey-Scott, Participation, Access and Inclusion Officer at Taking Flight said: “It was an absolute pleasure to run our training sessions with the NYAW team, their passion for all things access and inclusion was so wonderful to see. I think this team are going to go very far, and I'm so excited for all the Deaf/ disabled and neurodivergent young people who will be involved in all their upcoming projects.”

NYAW will continue to review and renew its training provision in this area, as part of our ongoing commitment to bring more artistic opportunities to more young people across Wales from the widest range of backgrounds.

If you or your organisation could benefit from receiving disability awareness training from Taking Flight, please contact steph@takingflighttheatre.co.uk.

A new national collaboration to strengthen youth dance in Wales

Three leading dance organisations have marked a significant milestone in Welsh arts through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, in a bid to support the growth of dance in Wales.

National Youth Arts Wales, National Dance Company Wales, and Ballet Cymru have joined forces to enable strengthened youth dance engagement and participation across the country.

Representing a united effort, this strategic alliance will establish a comprehensive framework for youth dance provision across the nation. By combining their resources and expertise, the organisations will create a robust and inclusive infrastructure nurturing the growth of youth dance in Wales.

This will ensure that every aspect of their offerings focuses on accessibility, inclusion, quality, and further developmental and performance opportunities. This, in turn, positions youth dance as an integral component of Wales' cultural identity.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks a pivotal moment in the collaborative journey to support and strengthen the dance landscape in Wales. With a shared commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity, the alliance will lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation in youth dance initiatives across the country.

National Youth Arts Wales Chief Executive, Evan Dawson said: “At National Youth Arts Wales, we are very excited about having an even closer relationship with Ballet Cymru and National Dance Company Wales.

“Working together and with the wider dance sector, we want to provide creative and world-leading opportunities for young dancers and choreographers. It’s a very challenging time for everyone working in the arts at the moment, but we are confident that this new strategic collaboration will help the next generation of dancers make the most of the resources we have whilst also supporting grassroots dance organisations throughout Wales.”

National Youth Dance Wales Producer, Jamie Jenkins said: "This new partnership will play a vital role in helping to shape the future of youth dance across Wales whilst at the same time supporting and celebrating already established youth dance provision.  NDCWales, Ballet Cymru and National Youth Arts Wales working closer together is a step in a positive direction."

NDCWales Artistic Director, Matthew Robinson said: “National Dance Company Wales seeks to inspire and propel the development of the artists of tomorrow through the work we do on and off stages. As we embark on this strategic collaboration with National Youth Arts Wales and Ballet Cymru our collective ambition for young people fills me with optimism for the future. We look forward to working with the incredible independent artists, teachers and organisations of Wales to ensure our interconnected work has the greatest impact for young people. A great artist can come from anywhere, and we are committed together to enabling young artists, wherever they may be in Wales, to shape the future of dance.”

Ballet Cymru Artistic Director, Darius James OBE and Assistant Artistic Director, Amy Doughty said: “Ballet Cymru is a national ballet company for Wales that challenges traditional boundaries and expectations. We are delighted to be working closely with National Youth Dance Wales and National Dance Company Wales to strategically forge new opportunities to inspire and support our next generation of dancers. This national collaborative effort to elevate dance, increase inclusion, and deliver more access for young dancers throughout Wales, is hugely exciting”

Laura Drane from Arts Council Wales said: “These plans to strengthen participation and access for youth dance are warmly welcomed. It is exciting to hear how the three national organisations plan to collaborate and share resources, bringing together their years of expertise. This partnership will help to develop the sector and impact the artistic journeys of young people of Wales."

Theatr Clwyd and National Youth Theatre of Wales offering Professional Pathways for young people across Wales this summer

Theatr Clwyd and National Youth Theatre of Wales have been working together for 6 years providing unique opportunities for young people across Wales and this year will be no exception.

This summer they will host their 2024 Professional Pathways Residency Programme at Theatr Clwyd. Professional Pathways is open to 16–22-year-olds, who want to gain performance skills and learn about the theatre industry including backstage roles. During the 3-day residency at Theatr Clwyd (28 June-1 July), 50 young people will go behind the scenes on the venue’s summer production of Rope by Patrick Hamilton. They will work with the professional creative teams on the show and see first-hand how it is made. There will also beworkshops on performance and audition skills, and an introduction to backstage including set and costume design, lighting and sound design and stage management. The residency will be bi-lingual and encourages anyone to apply who has an interest in theatre.

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said: “Wales has such an exciting theatrical tradition, but it’s difficult for young people to understand the wide range of different on-stage and backstage careers they could follow. This partnership of National Youth Theatre Wales with Theatr Clwyd is a wonderful opportunity to inspire, support and connect our next generation of actors, stage managers, lighting designers, sound engineers, costume-makers, producers and more!”

Already this year National Youth Theatre Wales and Theatr Clwyd have gone into 8 schools across North and South Wales delivering workshops to give an insight into what to expect at the auditions and the Professional Pathways residency.

 Previous residency participants have said: “Professional Pathways is called that for a reason, you really do get taught by, and treated as a professional. You get taught the skills that you definitely will need to move forward within the arts.”

“There are so many different things I’ve learnt and I’ve realised that it isn't just a narrow one-way into the industry there's so many different paths and different journeys that people are on here”

(Professional Pathways Easter Residency 2023 at Wales Millennium Centre)

Gwennan Mair, Communities, Wellbeing and Education Director at Theatr Clwyd said of the partnership: “We are delighted to continue to grow opportunities for young people all over Wales with National Youth Theatre Wales. Together we will strive to open the opportunities to all parts of Wales and to ensure we grow all elements of theatre making!”

Bookings for the audition workshops for the residency and other NYTW member opportunities are open until February 27 with auditions taking place across Wales from 9 March – 25 March in multiple locations with an option for online sessions via zoom. For more information on how to apply and what to expect from the audition workshop visit: https://www.nyaw.org.uk/auditions

Members of National Youth Brass Band of Wales selected to represent Europe

National Youth Arts Wales is delighted to announce that three senior members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) have been selected to represent Wales in the annual European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) this year.  

Alice Tracey, Erin Maloney, and Patrick Miller (who have been members of the NYBBW since 2019) will be traveling to Palanga, Lithuania at the end of April. In addition to representing NYBBW, Alice and Patrick will also be representing Llwyncoed Brass Band and Erin representing Flowers Band.  

During the international residency, Alice, Erin and Patrick will collaborate with some of the best young brass band musicians from throughout Europe under the leadership of Philip Harper (former NYBBW conductor and Musical Director of the world-famous Cory Band).  

Their time with the European Youth Brass Band will conclude with a series of concerts taking place during the first week of May. The European Brass Band contest will also be held during that week, providing bands from throughout the continent an opportunity to compete for one of the most prestigious awards in the Brass Band calendar.  

Commenting on their success, NYBBW Senior Producer Matthew Jones said “Erin, Alice, and Patrick are long-standing, senior members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and are all excellent musicians. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to work with top brass band musicians from across Europe, and I do not doubt that they will have a great time while making Wales proud”. 

Alice Tracey, one of the three selected members said: “I am so grateful for such a fantastic opportunity and I’m really excited to meet and play alongside musicians from across Europe”.  

The EYBB has operated since the early 2000s. It is a great opportunity for talented young brass players across Europe to play and develop together at a continental level for one week. They will perform as a full brass band on various occasions during the European Brass Band Championships 2024, including the European Composer Competition concert, Opening Ceremony, and the Grand Gala Concert. 

This year's National Youth Brass Band of Wales programme will soon begin with live rehearsals in mid-March before an 11-day residency and performance tour with venues across Bangor, Carmarthen and Swansea. For more information, visit NYAW’s website. 

2023 Wrapped

As we approach the end of 2023, and we bid adieu to the final notes and dance steps of this extraordinary season, we wanted to reflect on our work this year, filled with creativity, community, and countless moments of inspiration.

From Bangor to Cardiff, Lampeter to Newport, this summer we embarked far and wide, hosting a total of 9 residencies in 4 locations across Wales. Partnering with other creative organisations including Ballet Cymru, Theatr Clwyd and BBC NOW, we proudly performed in 18 public events, showcasing the incredible talents and creativity of the 282 young people who are NYAW members. In total, we provided high-quality training experiences for 959 young people in 2023.

“After being a member of NYCW I am like a new person… all in all, I am a FAR better musician than what I would have been without NYCW” - NYCW 2023 Member

“NYTW has served as a great buffer for me as someone who aged out of youth theatre at home and as someone who wasn't going to university…NYTW was always there for me.” - NYTW 2023 Member

"Being part of National Youth Dance Wales has helped reignite my love for dance” - NYDW 2023 Member

Kickstarting in July with performances from National Youth Brass Band of Wales, right through to National Youth Dance Wales closing our 2024 performances with style in Newport, we’ve truly left a mark on the Welsh arts scene this year. With a whopping total of 70,000+ audience members supporting our work. We also saw a record-breaking turnout for our National Youth Theatre of Wales’s innovative, bilingual and critically acclaimed production of Dan Y Wenallt/Under Milk Wood, with over 800 people seeing the performance. November also saw an additional side-by-side concert between the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, in Cardiff Bay.

In his Dan Y Wenallt/Under Milk Wood review for Barn Magazine, Gruffudd Owen said: "This is the most natural, purposeful and effective use of bilingualism I have ever seen on stage…The production was also a sign of what theatre in Wales can be."

Commenting on our NYDW ‘Twenty Tales’ performance, performed as a triple bill event alongside Ballet Cymru and Marcat Dance, singer-songwriter Cerys Matthews said via X: "It was terrific - Music choice, movement, design, costumes and choreography and overall unity. Utterly bewitching".

This summer we awarded £71,404 in bursaries towards fees, supporting 54% of our members. This record-breaking amount, coupled with additional travel expenses for members, reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive environment and breaking down barriers to entry for our members. 

Commenting on the success of the year, our Chairman, David Jackson said: “As 2023 draws to a close, and we ready ourselves for another year, I’d like to congratulate the team at the heart of National Youth Arts Wales on the impressive focus they continue to maintain on the benefits of arts participation and high-level training for the young people of Wales. Thanks to them we have the vision, and a credible plan, to tackle under-representation in the workforce in the cultural sector of Wales, and to support pathways into that sector that benefit the wider arts scene nationally. I’d also like to express thanks to my fellow Trustees for all their hard work and commitment. I’d like to think the future looks bright for NYAW and the young people of Wales. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb”.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary year, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making it a resounding success. The artists, the audiences, the communities – your enthusiasm and support have propelled us to new heights, and we can't wait to continue this journey together in 2024.

We’d also like to say a massive thank you to our funders that have made our work possible in 2023: Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Local Government Association and the National Music Service for Wales, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Leverhulme Trust, Welsh Government via Creative Wales, Colwinston Charitable Trust, Moondance Foundation, Neil & Mary Webber Bursary Fund, Friends of National Youth Orchestra of Wales, The Bluefields Trust and Arts & Business Cymru.

Do you want to be a part of our 2024 journey? Could you be the future of Welsh arts? Applications for our National Youth Dance Wales are now open you can apply here.

New partnership aims to create bright future for young orchestral musicians in Wales

A renewed partnership has been announced between BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW) and National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) to provide orchestral and choral opportunities and professional career pathways for young people throughout Wales.

The initiative was announced during a joint “side by side” concert by the two orchestras at the BBC’s Hoddinott Hall in late November. Together, they have committed to empowering aspiring professional musicians across Wales by supporting performance skills and nurturing their professional growth through orchestral performance opportunities. They will also work in partnership with National Music Service Wales, supporting the National Plan for Music Education.

Young musicians at the start of their careers will benefit from a vibrant blend of developmental opportunities including side by side concerts with professional BBC musicians, choral singing performances, mentoring and workshop sessions, the commissioning of new music, and projects with musicians and composers that work outside the traditional classical music sector.

BBC NOW and NYAW have successfully worked together since 2001, running side by side concerts for young musicians who gain insights and experience by performing with professional players. These concerts have given generations of young musicians the confidence to pursue professional careers, and this new commitment seeks to create a dynamic platform for young people by offering them a unique chance to refine their craft and showcase their talents on a broader stage.

Founded in 2017, NYAW seeks to develop creative pathways for young people across Wales. It unites and leads the development of Wales’s five prestigious and long-established national youth ensembles comprising the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Dance Wales, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Theatre of Wales. Founded in 1945, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales was the world’s first ever youth orchestra, and has been performing regularly ever since.

Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of NYAW said: “This partnership with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales will be of huge benefit to the young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. As well as performing fantastic music of the very highest quality, they will get to work intensively to a professional schedule and learn directly from the BBC musicians with whom they are placed. It will give them an insight into an orchestral world in which they might see their own futures, nurturing our next generation of Welsh musicians. We all look forward to working with the wonderful team at BBC NOW over the years ahead to develop creative opportunities for young people throughout Wales.”

Lisa Tregale, Director of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales said: “At BBC NOW, we believe that music and music making is for everyone, so we positively welcome this opportunity to collaborate with NYAW even more closely to help inspire young musicians, singers and composers across Wales. Everyone at BBC NOW is looking forward to building on the work that we have done with NYAW over the years, and together we aim to develop even more creative, fun and inclusive schemes that will benefit young musicians everywhere.”

Mari Lloyd Pritchard, Co-ordinator of the National Music Service for Wales, said: “Working in partnership is at the heart of the National Music Service as we strive together to develop as many opportunities as possible for children and young people to develop their playing and access career pathways. We are delighted to see this new and exciting collaboration.”