News Archive
March 2008
NYAW bids a fond farewell to one of Wales' finest composers
It is with great sadness we say farewell to a dear friend, Alun Hoddinott, a founder member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He was also the first former member to have conducted the NYOW in a work of his own. Alun was commissioned to compose several pieces for the NYBBW, NYCW and NYOW including his second suite of Welsh Dances which he wrote for the NYOW in 1969 to perform to the Prince of Wales during his investiture year.
"Alun's contribution to music over the years has been immense, many of his compositions will stand the test of time with their rich colours and percussive nature. Wales has lost a composer of true international standing - he will be sadly missed" - Matthew Jones, NYOW Manager.
See how the Wind Blows
The NYWOW is performing two concerts of modern classics that include Michael Ball's Saxophone Concerto with Lara James as soloist. Another highlight of the programme will be the premiere of Farewell, a major new work by Adam Gorb.
You can catch the Wind Orchestra on Saturday 5th April at 7.30pm at Monmouth School for Girls or on Sunday 6th April at 3.00pm at the University Concert Hall, Cardiff. Tickets are available from Tŷ Cerdd (02920 635649/50) or on the door. Tickets £7 (£5 cons), or £3.50 for children and students.
February 2008
Concerts to whet your appetite
The NYTCW meets for its annual residential course during the February half term at Howell's School, Denbigh. It will perform a programme that includes Karl Jenkins' Adiemus and John Rutter's A Sprig of Thyme at St Giles Church, Wrexham at 3.00pm on Sunday 17th February. Tickets are available from Tŷ Cerdd (02920 635650), from the shop at St Giles or on the door. Tickets £5, (£3.50 cons) or £15 for a family ticket.
NYJW under its new Music Director, Percy Pursglove, will appear at Clwyd Theatr Cymru at 7.30pm on Saturday 16th February. Tickets are available on the door or from Pedr Roberts on 01352 755958. Tickets £7, (£5 cons).
In April the NYWOW will perform two concerts of modern classics that include Michael Ball's Saxophone Concerto with Lara James as soloist. The highlight of the programme will be the premiere of Farewell, a major new work by Adam Gorb
The NYBBW's concert programme in July will feature the first performance of Gareth Wood's Concerto for Bass Trombone and Brass Band. The soloist will be Christian Jones, principal bass trombone of the Philharmonia Orchestra. This year the NYBBW will be conducted by Nigel Boddice who recorded a successful CD with the NYWOW in 2007.
The NYOW will present concerts in St Davids Cathedral (Pembs), the newly-refurbished Town Hall in Birmingham and St Asaph. It will also present a concert for the National Eisteddfod in St David's Hall, Cardiff and record a CD in what promises to be a busy but exciting summer. The repertoire for the summer will be equally exciting with Mathias' Celtic Dances, Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra and Vaughan Williams' Symphony No.2 in an all British-programme.
See our diary page for all our Spring and Summer Concerts
Have you got a way with words?
The National Youth Theatre of Wales is planning to launch a new venture for young writers.
We are calling for young people between the ages of 16 - 23 years to join us, work with us, improve their skills and be part of the creation of the National Youth Theatre of Wales production in 2010.
You do not have to have any experience of writing for theatre just an enthusiasm for exciting ideas, contemporary issues and dramatic situations. If you join us, over the next three years you will have a chance to work with some of the most experienced, professional writing and directing talents in Wales; you will participate in workshops where your work will be challenged, expanded and explored with actors, within both reading and rehearsal situations, and contribute to the development of a brand new play for NYTW 2010.
This is a real chance for your voice to be heard, to see your work come to life, and be part of a unique opportunity spanning three years and culminating in the premiere of a new production that will tour to venues in Wales and, possibly, beyond!
Interested?
Please contact : Gillian Wells, NYTW Administrator, nytw@nyaw.co.uk and request further information about the NYTW Young Writers' Programme.
National Youth Theatre appoints new Artistic Director for 2008
Award-winning Director, Tim Baker, has been appointed Artistic Director of the National Youth Theatre of Wales 2008
Tim's credentials for leading the National Youth Theatre of Wales NYTW) are first class and he is keen to build upon the Youth Theatre's reputation for creating large-scale, bilingual theatre that can delight, provoke, excite, challenge and inspire.
Speaking of his appointment, Tim says "...This is a rare and exciting opportunity to continue and build on the pioneering work of the National Youth Theatre of Wales, and to bring my many years of creating theatre both for and with young people to a national perspective. I look forward to the challenge of creating a collaborative ethos, together with an appetite for the highest standards in innovative theatre which will be the foundation for the future of NYTW..."
Pauline Crossley, Principal Manager (Youth Arts) at WJEC and spokes-person for the NYTW said, "The position of NYTW Artistic Director attracted a massive level of interest, which is a positive reflection upon the current standing of the Youth Theatre in Wales and beyond. It was felt that Tim Baker would bring a whole host of skills and attributes to the NYTW - not least artistically and educationally, but also in terms of positive leadership, especially given the political and financial climates within which we're operating. We are delighted that Tim is joining us and look forward to embarking upon a new phase of ambition and growth for the Youth Theatre."
Tim Baker will take up his duties with NYTW early in the New Year with auditions for NYTW 2008; he will direct the major production with the Youth Theatre next summer, which will tour to theatres in Wales in September 2008.
Tim Baker
One of Wales' most successful and prolific directors, Tim Baker is Associate Director with Clwyd Theatr Cymru (CTC). Tim has directed over 30 productions for Clwyd Theatr Cymru where he has contributed to CTC's reputation for producing world class, accessible theatre.
With specific responsibility for the Theatre for Young People at CTC - and from his previous role as Artistic Director of Theatre West Glamorgan - Tim brings to the NYTW a wealth of experience and expertise in the contexts of both youth theatre and work with young people. Earlier this year, he wrote and directed the 2007 National Eisteddfod children's pageant which was described as "One of the best - if not the best - ever" [Barn]
Tim has undertaken international commissions in Japan, USA Spain and more recently in India. He also has regular teaching and directing engagements with the National Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Aberystwyth University and Mountview School of Performing Arts (London).
November 2007
Audition for NYTW
The National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) is currently accepting applications for auditions.
The NYTW offers training and performance experiences for young people in Wales and the auditions are an opportunity for talented young people to join the NYTW for 2008.
The NYTW numbers 60 young people aged between 16 - 21 years, who are auditioned annually and are drawn from all over Wales.
During a five-week summer residency, Youth Theatre members work alongside professional directors, choreographers, musicians, designers and technicians to create and rehearse a new production prior to embarking upon a series of public performances.
In recent years, the Youth Theatre has toured to some of Wales' most popular theatre venues including Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Mold), Sherman Theatre (Cardiff), Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon), Theatr Gwynedd (Bangor) and The Riverfront (Newport).
The NYTW caters for young people who are interested in one or more of the following: acting, set design and construction, costume and make-up, lighting and sound, and stage-management. Applicants may audition for both acting and backstage.
Audition Requirements:
- Applicants should be involved with a drama group at school/college, or with a local youth theatre.
- Applicants for NYTW 2008 should be aged between 16 - 21 years by 31 August 2008.
If you would like to audition for the National Youth Theatre of Wales please download, print and complete the application form or call 029 2026 5006 to request a hard copy.
The closing date for NYTW applications is 19 December 2007.
For more information please contact: Gillian Wells, 029 2026 5006 nytw@nyaw.co.uk
Looking for that special present for Christmas?
Take a look at our range of CDs:
Christmas with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Buy As You View Band
Special Price £5
Cloudburst by the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales £5
National Youth Orchestra of Wales CDs:
Elgar - Symphony No 2 £10
Holst - The Planets £5
Shostakovich - Symphony No 7 £5
Special Offer - All 3 NYOW CDs £12
All prices include postage and packaging
To purchase, please send a cheque made payable to National Youth Arts Wales, stating which CD(s) you require, your name and address and a daytime telephone number. Please send to: NYAW CDs, 245 Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YX
October 2007
Young percussionists of all abilities will have the opportunity to work with top professional players, try out new instruments, pick up tips and improve their playing at NYAW's forthcoming Percussion Workshop. The event, organised in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Tâf Music Service, will be held at Pontypridd High School on Sunday 25th November. Participation is free of charge and application forms can be downloaded here.
A successful summer for National Youth Arts Wales - and its' not over yet!
The National Youth Choir of Wales performed a sell-out concert as part of this years' BBC Proms at the Royal Festival Hall in London, The Guardian Newspaper said of the performance "the National Youth Choir of Wales, brought translucent tone and immaculate phrasing to Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine and Requiem."
The National Brass Band of Wales toured Canada for ten days, along with performances across Wales, including Lampeter, Bangor, Aberystwyth and Cardiff
National Youth Dance Wales was the Editors Choice for things to see in the Western Mail and its review of the production said "Contemporary dance is not only alive and well in Wales, it is positively thriving". The Big Issue review said "This is a profound piece of physical poetry and an education in the language of dance".
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales tour of Wales concluded in Cardiff at the St Davids Hall, after performances in Lampeter, Bangor and Mold and later this month the orchestra is off to Ischia to perform for Lady Walton on August 30th. Six of the players were featured in the Western Mail talking about their other cultural interests.
The National Youth Theatre of Wales will close this year's summer season with performances of Café Cariad in Aberystwyth, Mold and Cardiff.
July 2007
The best in Wales - summer 2007 with National Youth Arts Wales
This summer sees National Youth Arts Wales touring Wales (and Canada and Italy) with 300 young people from all parts of Wales taking part in the annual National Youth Arts Wales summer residencies.
This year there are performances in Cardiff, Bangor, Aberystwyth, Mold and London, plus invitation concerts in Canada and Italy.
A musical, passion (in Italy), fond farewells and a bunch of 'firsts'.
This year's NYAW season features a new musical about Italians living in south Wales just before and during the Second World War; passion with performances of William Walton's Symphony No 1; the final year with NYAW for Artistic Directors Greg Cullen (Theatre) and Islwyn Evans (Choir); and a first appearance at the BBC Proms for one of the National groups (Choir), and a bunch of 'firsts' for writer, Tim Price.
National Youth Brass Band of Wales
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales celebrates its 25th birthday with a concert tour of Canada in July 2007. During the ten-day trip the Band will work with tutors from the Toronto Opera and Symphony Orchestra in preparation for concerts in Toronto, Parry Sound and Ottowa.
National Youth Choir of Wales
The National Youth Choir of Wales performs at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 21st July with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales in a concert that includes Fauré's Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine. This represents a significant milestone in the history of National Youth Arts Wales, as the Choir is the first of the Welsh national youth ensembles to be invited to take part in the London Proms.
See Diary for all concert details.
National Youth Dance Wales
Following its residency based in Cardiff, National Youth Dance Wales kicks off the summer season with a new work that is sharp, quirky, full of pace and energy and shot through with a musicality that has become the trademark of Welsh choreographer Henri Oguike. NYDW 2007 presents only one performance this year, at the Sherman Theatre on Tuesday 31st July.
See Diary for performance details.
National Youth Orchestra of Wales
Owain Arwel Hughes leads the National Youth Orchestra of Wales showcasing the considerable talent of its young musicians on a concert tour of Wales before travelling to the Italian island of Ischia to perform the final concert of a summer series run by Lady William Walton. This summer the Orchestra's programme includes Walton's passionate Symphony No. 1, Karl Jenkins' Tangollen and, in celebration of his 150th anniversary, Elgar's lively concert overture In The South. This year the Orchestra includes no fewer than eight sets of brothers and sisters, and the youngest player is just 14 years old.
See Diary for all concert details.
National Youth Theatre of Wales
The summer season ends with a new production, commissioned by NYTW with funds from the Arts Council of Wales, from emerging Welsh writer Tim Price. Café Cariad is a new musical with book by Tim Price and Greg Cullen, and music and lyrics by Jak Poore and Greg Cullen, set during the Second World War in Wales and Italy.
Café Cariad opens in Aberystwyth and then tours to Mold, ending its tour in Cardiff. 2007 is Greg Cullen's last year as Artistic Director with the National Youth Theatre of Wales.
See Diary for all performance details
March 2007
2007 sees the National Youth Brass Band of Wales celebrate its 25th birthday with a concert tour of Canada in July. During the ten-day trip the Band will work with tutors from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in preparation for concerts in Toronto, Ottawa and the surrounding areas. The Band is currently working hard raising funds towards the cost of the trip and is actively seeking sponsorship and donations. An important part of the fundraising effort will be the Festival of 450 Voices in the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre on Sunday 8th July. NYBBW under its music director, Dr Robert Childs, will be joined by male choirs for a gala concert which also features euphonium superstar David Childs as soloist. This spectacular event is sure to be very popular and early booking is advised.
You have the opportunity to help National Youth Brass Band of Wales members; fundraising by purchasing their new CD. The Band has recently released Christmas with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales/Nadolig Llawen - Band Pres Cenedlaethol Ieuenctid Cymru on the Tŷ Cerdd label. The 20 track CD of festive favourites can be purchased from Tŷ Cerdd at the bargain price of £5.00.
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (NOW) join forces in March for their 7th annual collaboration. Following a short training course, wherein every member of the Youth Orchestra sits alongside a counterpart from the BBC Orchestra, the Orchestras will present a combined concert at St David's Hall, Cardiff.
This year's repertoire includes Shostakovich Festival Overture and Rimsky-Korsakov Sheherazade conducted by former NYOW member Grant Llewellyn. BBC NOW will also present Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with soloist, Robert Plane. (See diary for further details).
The National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales under new Music Director, Nigel Boddice, will hold its residential course in Ruthin during Easter 2007. The programme will include Eric Whitacre's Cloudburst, Bernstein's West Side Story and the first performance of the Concerto for Percussion and Wind Orchestra by Gareth Wood, with Simone Rebello as soloist. The concert takes place in the Stiwt Theatre, Rhosllanerchrugog at 7.30pm on Saturday 7th April. Tickets are available from the theatre box office 01978 841300.
The National Youth Theatre of Wales is delighted to welcome Tim Price to its artistic team for 2007. Tim will be working alongside NYTW Artistic Director, Greg Cullen, to write a new, large-scale play that will tour to venues across Wales in September 2007.
Tim, who is originally from Aberdare, is a young writer who already has a string of television and radio credits to his name (Homeboys for ITV, All Yesterday Parties for BBC, The Cockle Farmer and Caerdydd for S4C, and The New Worst Witch for Granada).
The NYTW 2007 commission has attracted funding from the Arts Council of Wales. The play is set both in Wales and in Italy just before and during the Second World War, and it follows the lives of two families during this turbulent time.
Summer Tour of North Wales.
Over 300 members of National Youth Arts Wales, selected by audition from all over Wales, will take part in a host of performances in North Wales this summer. The National Youth Choir of Wales perform at St Asaph Cathedral before embarking on a tour of Ireland, the National Youth Brass Band visits Caernarfon, Buckley and Bangor (see details below), the National Youth Orchestra of Wales also perform at Bangor, National Youth Dance Wales visit Clwyd Theatr Cymru for the first time and the National Youth Theatre of Wales perform at Rhyl's Pavilion Theatre. See the diary page for full details. For your copy of our North Wales brochure, which has full details of all performances, ring NYAW on 029 2026 5060 or email Catherine Barry
Welsh Proms debut for NYOW.
It's the start of a busy summer for the young orchestra members: following a period of rehearsal, the orchestra tours to Bristol Cathedral on Tuesday 25th July, and then makes its debut at the Welsh Proms on Wednesday 26th July, performing Elgar's 2nd Symphony and Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto, with soloist Julian Lloyd Webber...read more
Souvenir Brochure now on sale.
If you haven't already ordered your copy, don't forget that the exclusive NYOW 60th Anniversary brochure is now available from the NYAW offices and will be on sale at events throughout the summer. Costing just £6 including P&P, the brochure gives a fascinating history of the Orchestra's first 60 years, including photographs specially supplied by archivist Kathryn Phipps. It also includes a free CD featuring an audio history of NYOW with exclusive extracts from six decades of recording. To buy your copy, contact Catherine Barry at NYAW on 029 2026 5060 or by email
New Concertos premiered by National Youth Brass Band.
As part of its policy of supporting new music, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales performs two new concertos during its tour of North Wales this summer...read more
New CD Recording.
A new CD by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales is due for release in September and pre-release copies will be available for sale at all performances. This new recording includes Elgar's 2nd Symphony and Investiture Dances by Alan Hoddinott. Price: £10 if purchased at a concert, or £11.50 by mail order and from record shops from September. For more information email Catherine Barry or ring NYAW on 029 2026 5060.
National Youth Choir of Wales.
The Choir adds yet another new commission to its repertoire this year by Argentinian-Welsh composer, Hector MacDonald. His three settings of texts for Christmas, Easter and Pentecost utilise lively rhythms. The works will be performed by the Choir in Wales and Ireland, when it gives performances in four cathedrals - St Asaph, St Mary's (Dublin), St Fin Barre's (Cork) and Christ Church (Waterford).
Stop press: The NYCW has been invited to take part in the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall in July, 2007. The Choir will perform the Fauré Requiem with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales.
Christmas Cheer.
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales records a Christmas CD during its Summer course. The disc, containing popular carols, will also feature solo performances by former members of the NYBBW, accompanied by the Buy As You View (Cory) Band
Summer stats and snippets.
In 2005, the 450 members of National Youth Arts Wales presented 32 public concerts and performances to, between them, a staggering 12,000 people ... read more
Choral Collaboration at Christmas.
The National Youth Choir of Wales and the National Youth Training Choir of Wales will join forces for a Christmas concert at All Saints' Church, Penarth on 21st December 2005 ... read more
A musical stocking filler this Christmas.
Christmas Spirit a CD of Christmas music from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and Owain Arwel Hughes was released on Thursday 8 December ... read more
Symphonic Senedd.
National Youth Symphonic Brass Wales will provide the first music to be heard inside the new National Assembly for Wales Senedd building on 1 March 2006 ... read more
Bitesize.
Check out the latest performances, concerts and workshops being held by NYAW ... read more
Fire Man.
NYTW premiere Botticelli's Bonfire, a new play by Greg Cullen is the new play by Greg Cullen exploring the tumultuous political and social world of Renaissance Florence. A cast led by a Pope, some dodgy clerics and a group of volatile artists promises a 21st century spin on the skullduggery and shenanigans of another century ... read more
Diamond Geezers.
National Youth Orchestra of Wales is 60 years old and the party starts this summer with a tour of Wales and a CD recording of Christmas music under the baton of Owain Arwel Hughes ...read more
Zap the Dog.
Sixties legend Frank Zappa inspires National Youth Brass Band of Wales who will be playing his Dog Breath Variations on its concert tour ... read more
Reading Matters.
perfformio, our bi-annual magazine, is being redesigned this Autumn. Current issues are now available to order on-line ... read more
Festival favourites...
A BBC television news crew was on hand to record the National Youth Orchestra of Wales trip to Berlin where it received no fewer than five standing ovations at the Young Euro Classic Festival. The Festival has a policy of promoting the work of young composers and Ceiri Torjussen - who is just 28 and a former member of the the Nash - was chosen to represent Wales by NYOW Conductor Owain Arwel Hughes.
Sign of the times...
Henri Oguike, the new Artistic Director for NYDW, dropped into the BBC's On Show studio for a discussion with presenter Aled Jones and Welsh film director Marc Evans, prior to opening Spatial Signatures at Theatr Brycheiniog with young dancers from Wales. Spatial Signatures was also nominated as The Guardian's Pick of the Week.
Birthday boy...
Alun Hoddinott celebrated his 75th birthday by composing a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, who featured in another On Show programme dedicated to the Welshman's career.
Singing sensations...
Probably the most famous soprano around at the moment, Katherine Jenkins is a former choir member. She's following in the footsteps of Tom Jones and appearing in a glitzy concert programme in Las Vegas soon, but still found time to enlist the support of the NYCW to record her new album in a rather less high profile venue - namely, a recording studio in Carmarthen.