Western Mail
"When I was in the choir I got the chance to sing with
Bryn Terfel and it's something I'll never forget"
Katherine Jenkins, soprano
Conductor 2013: David Lawrence
The National Youth Choir of Wales was formed by Tŷ Cerdd - Music Centre Wales (as Welsh Amateur Music Federation) in 1984, to support both the long-standing choral tradition of Wales and the development needed for that tradition to flourish. Members of the Choir, who are aged between 16 and 21 years, are drawn from all parts of Wales, and auditioned annually. They meet for occasional weekend courses, but the Choir’s main work is concentrated in a week of intensive rehearsals in the summer, followed by a series of concerts.
The majority of tutors and staff are drawn from former members of the Choir - the Choir’s President, Bryn Terfel, was himself a founder member – and musical directors are appointed for a three-year period. Former conductors include George Guest, Gregory Rose, John Hugh Thomas, Simon Halsey, Ralph Allwood, Jean Stanley Jones, David Rowland and Islwyn Evans. The NYCW has given concerts in London, Berlin, Leipzig, Bruges, Brussels, Paris, Vienna and Budapest, in addition to performing throughout Wales, at many of the major cathedrals in England and at the BBC Proms. It broadcasts regularly on television and radio.
2013 Summer Residency & Concert Tour
The NYCW's year begins with a performance of Verdi's Requiem with the BBC NOW on 1st March. The Choir then reconvenes for a one day workshop in Llandrindod Wells in early July prior to its 7 day Residency at Moreton Hall School, near Chirk in late July. During the residency, choristers will work in full and sectional rehearsals under the direction of our team of specialist tutors led by Music Director, David Lawrence, preparing a mixed programme for performances at the end of the week. There is plenty of opportunity for relaxation and choristers also enjoy a lively entertainment programme run by the pastoral staff. Activities usually include swimming, football and rounders and evening events such as quizzes, talent nights and much more.
Conductor: David Lawrence
Workshops:
30 June & 7 July, Llandrindod Wells
8 - 12 July, Rehearsal Week, Birmingham
Residency: 21 -27 July 2013 Moreton Hall School, Nr Chirk
Concerts:
12 July, BBC Concert, London
26 July, Conwy Classical Music Festival
27 July, Aberystwyth MusicFest
Verdi Requiem with BBC NOW & NCW:
Rehearsal: 10 & 28 February, Cardiff
Concert: 1 March, St David's Hall, Cardiff
(This concert is an optional part of the NYCW 2013 schedule)
Entry Requirements
- Candidates are accepted for audition on the approval of their county Head of Music Service (or his/her authorised representative or equivalent) and are expected to support music activity at school/college and county level. Where county activity does not exist, the Head of Department in school or college may initially support applications.
- Candidates should normally be of around Grade VIII standard though they do not need to have to have taken the exam.
- Candidates should be between 16 and 21 years old on 31st August 2013 (or 22 if still in full-time education).
- Choristers must be available for all course and concert dates. Please check your availability before applying.
Contact
Matthew Thistlewood at Ty Cerdd 029 2063 5650 nycw@tycerdd.info
For more information about NYCW 2013 click here