Auditions open for 2027 Welsh music ensembles

If you want to be a member of the National Youth Brass Band, National Youth Orchestra of National Youth Choir of Wales then the audition process is now open — and you had better be quick.

Players should start applying now.

Friday, 02 October 2026

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has opened auditions for its three flagship music ensembles: the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW), the National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW).

Young musicians aged 16 to 22 have until 11th October to apply for the 2027 courses.

Orchestra

Orchestra members will be working towards a major symphony performance under conductor Carlo Rizzi.

The summer residency runs from 20th July to 1st August, ending with a four-night tour in in Bangor, Lampeter, St David's Cathedral and Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

Choir

The Choir will once again be led by Tim Rhys-Evans.

Choir members will meet for pre-residency rehearsals on 24th and 25th March 2027, before a summer residency at Bangor University from 17th to 27th August.

The residency ends with a three-night concert tour: St Asaph Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral and Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

National Youth Brass Band

National Youth Brass Band of Wales performers will be conducted by Margaret Antrobus, with repertoire details to be announced soon.

Pre-residency rehearsals will take place on 23rd and 24th March, before a summer residency from 14th to 22nd August. The residency ends with a three-night concert tour: Great Hall, Swansea, Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Prichard Jones Hall, Bangor.

Who can apply?

Applicants should be aged between 16 and 22 on 31st August 2027. You must have been born in Wales, live in Wales, or be studying full-time in Wales. Instrumentalists should normally be around Grade 8 standard.

Auditions take place across Wales from 18th November to 6th December. Orchestra and Brass Band applicants can also submit a video audition by 22nd November. Results will be sent out during the week of 14th December.

What does it cost?

The audition fee is £30, but free auditions are available to anyone who can't afford it; just tick the fee waiver box on the form with no questions asked.

Applications close 11th October 2026.

Find out more:

To find out more go to: www.nyaw.org.uk/auditions

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