National Youth

Orchestra

of Wales

Your Stage Awaits!

Audition applications are now closed. Please email auditions@nyaw.org.uk if you have any questions.

audition pack

“2026 sees the first national youth orchestra in the world celebrate its 80th Anniversary! We’re looking forward to celebrating in style and we’re very glad to be welcoming back renowned conductor, Carlo Rizzi, to help us do that.

Carlo has developed a very successful, long-standing relationship with the Orchestra and its musicians. We know that he will bring his usual energy and enthusiasm to ensure 2026 is one to remember.

 As well as working with Carlo you’ll receive the very best training from a top-class creative team and perform in some wonderful venues. You'll also have a lot of fun and make life-long friendships whilst having the honour of representing your country doing something you love. What more can you want?”

A note from NYOW Producer

Matthew Jones

National Youth Orchestra of Wales Producer

2026 Programme

Conductor: Andrew Gourlay

Andrew Gourlay is an internationally respected conductor, described by The Guardian as “a star in the ascendent”. Andrew has worked with many of the world’s leading orchestras and was Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León from 2015-20. He is known for inspiring young musicians and regularly conducts youth orchestras around the world, including the National Youth Orchestras of Great Britain, Australia, Colombia and Ireland - and in 2026, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

Andrew is passionate about both classical masterpieces and new music, having conducted over 50 world premieres. His work spans composers from Mahler and Tchaikovsky to Britten, Ravel and Stravinsky. He began his career as a professional trombonist and studied conducting at the Royal College of Music, going on to win First Prize at the Cadaqués International Conducting Competition. 

Born in Jamaica and raised around the world, Andrew brings a global perspective, energy and curiosity to every rehearsal and performance, and we can't wait for him to join us in 2026! 

Repertoire: Next year’s repertoire is currently TBC, but rest assured, we’re planning a concert programme worthy of such an auspicious anniversary year.

How to apply…

Apply by:
12 October 2025

Auditions:
16 November - 7 December 2025

Video deadline: Sunday 30th November 2025

Results:
*15 December 2025

Auditions:

16th November 2025 – North Wales

23rd November 2025 – Carmarthen

6th December 2025 – Cardiff

7th December 2025 – Cardiff

Meet the Nationals:
Thursday 26th February 2026 (Online)

Rehearsals:
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March 2026 (Strings Only)

Summer Residency:
Tuesday 21st July – Tuesday 4th August 2026

Performances:
Performances are currently TBC, but will be held in venues
across Wales at the end of the residency. 

*Week commencing.

  • Applicants should normally be of grade 8 standard although you do not have to have taken a grade 8 exam at time of audition. You should be aged between 16 and 22, on 31 August 2026. (This means that you may be able to audition aged 15, as long as you will be 16 by this date). We may take younger participants into the ensembles on occasions where extraordinary talent is shown. This will be solely at the discretion of NYAW. You must either have been born in Wales and/or currently living in Wales, or studying full-time in Wales.

     NYAW reserves the right to exclude anyone from taking part in its ensembles at its reasonable discretion, to be exercised by senior staff or trustees.

     For any questions about our eligibility criteria, please email us at: nyaw@nyaw.org.uk.

  • Cost: £1080

    Your membership fee includes all tuition costs, accommodation, food and board, travel within the residency and social activities. Thanks to the generous support from our funders and supporters, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) subsidises a significant part of the costs of being a member of one of the national youth ensembles.

    However, we aim to make sure that money is never a barrier to participation in any of our ensembles or projects. We understand that for some applicants this contribution may be out of reach, which is why we run a generous bursary scheme that supports where support is needed. 

     If you have an annual household income of less than £125,000, Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some, or all, of your membership fee. 

     We also offer an instalment payment plan.

     Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information

  • Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some or all of the membership fees, so that no-one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons.

    Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees.