This summer’s publicity campaign for National Youth Arts Wales* features a six-seater VW camper-van but the members of the National Youth Brass Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra and Theatre of Wales will need a few more seats to get them to their far-flung destinations over the coming weeks. Indeed, it will take no fewer than seven coaches to ferry the 300 members of NYAW 2011 to twelve locations to present eighteen public performances – all in a space of six, short weeks. Between them, they’ll cover around 1,000 miles – from St David’s in Pembrokeshire to Gateshead in the north of England. This year, various NYAW personalities will be blogging, tweeting and Facebook-ing to keep followers up-to-date with their daily routines (highs and lows!) and to offer a behind-the-scenes insight to NYAW. Our young dancers have already started their Blog http://nationalyouthdancewales.blogspot.com/ “The knee pads have been purchased! Now just for the elbow pads, helmet, shoulder pads and bubble wrap...” NYDW 2011 member, Kaleigh Prescott, from Neath Port Talbot Highlights of this year’s summer season include: • the 65th Anniversary of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, with internationally-renowned Conductor, Takuo Yuasa, and the Orchestra’s European premiere of From the Feather to the Mountain by former NYOW member, Hilary Tann; • another Hilary Tann composition, plus Beethoven’s Mass in C (Op. 86) for the National Youth Choir of Wales accompanied by senior members of the Orchestra, in the magnificent surroundings of St David’s Cathedral; • Karl Jenkins’ Euphonium Concerto with David Childs and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales; • appearances at Cardiff’s newest arts venue at the RWCMD – the Richard Burton Theatre for both National Youth Dance Wales and National Youth Theatre of Wales, and the Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall for the Brass Band; • no fewer than three new commissions, including Patagonia – the long journey for the National Youth Theatre of Wales devised by Tim Baker with NYTW 2011 members. NYAW keeps a close eye on former members who are currently enjoying successful careers in the professional, performing arts industries. These include: Tim Rhys-Evans of Only Men Aloud, Bryn Terfel and Kathryn Jenkins who were all members of the National Youth Choir of Wales; Choreographer, Henri Oguike who was a member of the National Youth Theatre, then returned as the Artistic Director of National Youth Dance Wales; and former National Youth Orchestra of Wales members, Karl Jenkins, John Cale and Eos Chater (of Bond fame). The Youth Theatre is well-represented in the worlds of theatre, film and television with Ruth Jones, Joanna Page, Michael Sheen and Matthew Rhys (amongst many!) – not to mention actress, Eve Myles, and writer, Russell T Davies, who are currently bringing the latest series of Torchwood to our screens. NYAW is a partnership between WJEC and T_ Cerdd. It works with the Arts Council of Wales (ACW), the 22 unitary authorities and other key funders to maintain its annual programme of activity and events. Increasingly, it’s looking towards other partners and sponsors to invest in a healthy and vibrant future for the next generation of young creators and performers. Visit www.nyaw.co.uk for events listings, latest news and links to NYAW Blogs! Or contact the NYAW office on 029 2026 5060 / nyaw@nyaw.co.uk |
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011 |
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