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 2012: Simon Toyne
The National Youth Training Choir of Wales offers an exciting introduction to choral singing for young people between the ages of 13 - 16 (13 - 17 male voices). The Choir was formed in 2005, not only to prepare younger choristers for future membership of the NYCW, but as a choir in its own right.
Singers are selected by annual audition and applications from all voices (including boy trebles and altos) are welcomed.
Membership involves a residential course, culminating in a public concert. Older members (16+) of the Training Choir may be considered as reserves for that year’s National Youth Choir.
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.
- Sopranos and altos should be aged between 13 and 16 years old on 31st August 2012. Tenors and basses should be aged between 13 and 16 years old on 31st August 2012.
- Choristers must be available for all course and concert dates. Please check your availability before applying.
Residential Course and Concerts 2012
The NYTCW will meet for its annual residential course in the February half term at Moreton Hall School, near Chirk. During the 6-day course choristers will prepare a mixed programme for public performance. The Choir will work in full and sectional rehearsals under the direction of our team of specialist tutors, led by Music Director, Simon Toyne. Choristers will also have the opportunity to have individual singing lessons.
It is intended that the repertoire in 2012 will include Mike Brewer's Little Jazz Mass and the premiere of a new work specially commissioned for the NYTCW. Contrast is ensured by the inclusion of lighter music, including spirituals, pop ballads and folk songs. In addition to music making, choristers enjoy a lively entertainment programme run by the pastoral staff. Activities usually include table tennis, football and rounders and evening events such as quizzes, talent nights and much more.
The course culminates with a performance at one of Wales’s top concert venues. In recent years the Choir has appeared in Abergavenny, Welshpool, Swansea and at the Wales Millennium Centre. 2012 sees the NYTCW return to the medieval splendour of Wrexham's Saint Giles's Church, scene of a sell-out concert in 2008.
Conductor: Simon Toyne
Residency: 13 - 18 February 2012 Moreton Hall School, near Chirk
Concerts:
16 February, Moreton Hall School, near Chirk
18 February, St Giles’s Church, Wrexham
Contact
Matthew Thistlewood at Ty Cerdd 029 2063 5650 nytcw@tycerdd.info
For more information about NYTCW 2012 and application forms click here