National Youth Orchestra of Wales

National Youth Orchestra of Wales
Wales' Youth Orchestra

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) bears the distinction of being the very first national youth orchestra in the world. Founded in 1945, it has a longstanding history of musical excellence. Many generations of players who have gone on to perform in musical organizations and orchestras around the world have benefited from the tuition and experience they received from the orchestra. Over the years, the Youth Orchestra has performed in Cardiff, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, Stuttgart, Strasbourg and Berlin. For over fifty years, this orchestra has encouraged the flowering of young instrumental talent, teaching and supporting thousands of players over the course of its existence.

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales is for all young people up from age 13 to age 21 who have reached Grade VIII or the equivalent. Harpists may play at Grade VI. Candidates must be nominated by their local music service and complete an official application form, which is distributed by the county and available from the NYOW from June onward every year. Like many other Youth Orchestras, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales holds residential courses to help train its musicians.

Over the past seven years, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales have successfully collaborated on several occasions. These collaborations give the young players the opportunity to perform alongside senior musicians. It is also rewarding for the more experienced musicians to be able to guide their younger peers in the beginning of their musical careers.

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales generally numbers around a hundred players, representing some of the most talented young musicians in Wales. The orchestra has been called the flagship of Welsh youth music. The largest venue that the National Youth Orchestra has ever performed in was the National Concert Hall in Belfast.

A little known fact about the orchestra is that they provided the training for one of the founding members of the Velvet Underground, John Cale. Cale went on produce a number of other albums, including collaborations with Brian Eno.