Welsh Youth to feature in the European Brass Band 2025

The team at National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) is bursting with pride as three of our outstanding young musicians prepare to represent Europe on one of the most prestigious stages for young brass musicians. 

Solomon (Sol) Maghur, who plays the Cornet, Gwen Howe on the Bass Trombone, and Sean Linton on the Tuba, have been handpicked to join the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) 2025. The trio will travel to Stavanger, Norway, this May to perform alongside Europe’s finest young brass players in a week of thrilling music-making and camaraderie. 

The EYBB residency is a dream come true for many aspiring brass musicians. For Sol, Gwen, and Sean, it marks a significant milestone in their musical journeys. Over the course of the week, they will rehearse and perform under the guidance of world-class conductors, culminating in spectacular performances at the European Brass Band Championships. These concerts, which include the Grand Gala Concert and Opening Ceremony, promise to be unforgettable highlights. 

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer for NYBBW, said: “Sol, Gwen, and Sean represent the very best of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Their selection for the European Youth Brass Band is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of their exceptional talent and dedication. We are thrilled to see them take this next step on their musical journey and are confident they will inspire and impress audiences in Norway and beyond.” 

The EYBB, established in the early 2000s, is not just a celebration of musical talent but a unique opportunity for young musicians to connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their artistry. Sol, Gwen, and Sean will join forces with peers from across Europe, creating music that transcends borders and leaves a lasting impression. 

While these young stars prepare for their European adventure, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales is also gearing up for its exciting 2025 programme. Rehearsals will begin in April, followed by a week’s residency and a tour that will bring unforgettable performances to audiences across Wales. This year, National Youth Brass Band of Wales welcomes back sought-after Welsh conductor, Paul Holland.

For more updates and to follow the incredible journey of these young Welsh ambassadors, visit NYAW’s website. 

Statement on proposed closure of Cardiff University's Music Department

The proposed closure of Cardiff University's music department is a profound blow to the cultural and educational landscape of Wales. 

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said:

“The music department at Cardiff University has a proud history, interwoven with the development of Welsh music, notably through the influence of Professor Alun Hoddinott. As a former head of the department, Hoddinott was instrumental in shaping the institution into a powerhouse for musical education and innovation, fostering talents like Karl Jenkins and many others who have enriched our cultural landscape. This department has been the cradle for many composers, musicians and scholars who've left an indelible mark on the arts both in Wales and globally.  

We are witnessing a worrying trend where the arts, particularly music, are being systematically devalued through funding cuts and institutional closures. This decision by Cardiff University threatens the immediate future of current students, staff and the broader music community – whilst it also jeopardises the long-term cultural health of our nation. 

Music education is not merely an academic pursuit - it is a fundamental part of our community's identity, offering young people avenues for expression, personal development and professional opportunities. The closure of this department would drastically reduce the pathways available for those aiming to contribute to Wales's rich musical heritage. 

In our recent "Youth Arts Crisis" statement, we highlighted how chronic underfunding in youth arts is denying opportunities for countless young people, impacting their health, education and community wellbeing. This decision by Cardiff University starkly illustrates the very issues we've been campaigning about. It is imperative that we recognise and invest in the arts as essential to our society's fabric. 

We urge Cardiff University to reconsider its decision. We must all act now to secure a future in which every young person in Wales has the chance to benefit from the arts, ensuring that the cultural legacy of our nation, once nurtured by figures like Alun Hoddinott, continues to flourish for generations to come.”

NYAW is in touch with our many members of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales who are currently studying at Cardiff University.

"I’m currently in my second year undergraduate at Cardiff University, studying music. The proposal to shut the School of Music has deeply affected staff and students. We’re all unsure how the future looks now, but we know we will feel the impacts of the closures over the next year. For the capital city to lose its music school is a huge blow.” 

NYOW member

"As a third year student at Cardiff University, the School of Music have provided me with many valuable experiences throughout my journey. It's heartbreaking news that our music course at Cardiff might be coming to an end, and a shock to everyone that future students might not have this same opportunity."

NYOW member

Youth Arts Crisis: National Youth Arts Wales Calls on Welsh Government to Act Now

As advocates for youth creativity in Wales, National Youth Arts Wales is today raising the alarm about the “shameful” state of youth arts funding in our nation. We call on the Welsh Government to address this urgent situation, ensuring every young person can access the transformative power of the arts.

The recent Senedd report "A Decade of Cuts" reveals a landscape of neglect and chronic underfunding, jeopardising not only the arts, but also our cultural identity and the development of future generations.

Wales, once vibrant with artistic expression, now ranks the second lowest in Europe for investment in the arts per person. This decline is not merely numbers on a spreadsheet - it's a narrative of lost opportunities, diminished creativity, and a future in which our children don’t have access to arts opportunities that could shape their lives. As highlighted by Arts Council Wales in its recent Economic Impact Report, there has been a 40% real-terms reduction in revenue funding for culture since 2010. With every passing year, we are losing ground in an area that Wales should be leading.

Contrast this with the compelling evidence from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) study published a few weeks ago. This research underscores what those of us in the arts have known for years - engagement in arts and culture has a profound impact on health and wellbeing. The study reveals that regular participation in cultural activities can reduce the need for healthcare services, enhance mental health and foster community cohesion. More specifically, it quantifies the social return on investment, showing that for every pound invested in arts and culture, there is a substantial return in economic, social and health benefits. As Arts Council Wales’s own Impact Report demonstrated, the Welsh economy benefits by £2.51 for every £1 spent on cultural activities. Put simply, the more we spend on the arts, the more we save elsewhere.

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales, emphasised: “We call on the Welsh Government to reconsider how resources are allocated, placing renewed emphasis on ‘prevention’ as a strategic investment. A long-term plan is needed - one that recognises the arts, particularly youth arts, as critical infrastructure for a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous Wales. Crucially, this must be a comprehensive strategy that integrates budgets for Education, Culture, and Health. The arts are not a luxury,but a necessity for the development of young minds. They provide a platform for expression, learning and resilience. Investing in youth arts is investing in the future leaders, thinkers and innovators of Wales.”

Economic Argument

Beyond the intrinsic value of arts, there's a clear economic case. The arts sector directly contributes to GDP, supports local economies, and creates jobs. Moreover, the social return on investment in arts, as evidenced by the DCMS study, significantly outweighs the initial investment.

Health and Wellbeing

The wellbeing benefits of arts participation are undeniable. In times when mental health among young people is a growing concern, arts can offer therapeutic avenues, reducing the societal burden of health costs through prevention and early intervention. 

Cultural Preservation and Innovation

Wales is at risk of losing its unique cultural narratives if we do not nurture them through the arts. Youth arts programmes are not just about preserving culture but also about pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.

Community Building

Arts programmes bring communities together, creating inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated. This social cohesion is vital, especially in an era where divisiveness can so easily take root.

Evan Dawson added: “Again, we urge the Welsh Government to re-evaluate resource allocation, prioritising 'prevention' as a strategic investment for the future. We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let's champion a renaissance in Welsh arts, not just for the sake of culture but for the holistic development of our society.  Our children deserve a Wales where their creative expressions are not only heard but celebrated, where their involvement in the arts is seen as a fundamental part of their growth and our collective future.”

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.”