National Youth Big Band of Wales

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales appears under the direction of its president, Edward Gregson, in a programme that includes his An Age of Kings and a new version of his ever popular Laudate Dominum as well as Cyril Jenkins’s Life Divine and a newly commissioned work by Welsh composer, Mervyn Burtch.

The NYBBW was formed in 1982 by the Welsh Amateur Music Federation, now Ty Cerdd - Music Centre Wales, which continues to provide administration and funding as a partner in National Youth Arts Wales. 

Members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales are drawn from all parts of Wales, and auditioned or re-auditioned annually.  A large number of former members are now well known as soloists, conductors, or as performers with top British bands or orchestras.  The majority of NYBBW tutors once played in the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, as did nearly all of the Band’s pastoral staff.In addition to Edward Gregson, the Band’s conductors have included Arthur Kenny, Bram Tovey, Howard Snell, James Gourlay, Frank Renton, James Watson, Nicholas Childs, Ray Farr, Nigel Boddice and Robert Childs.

From its first concert at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales has established an enviable reputation for performing contemporary works.  Numerous composers have been commissioned by the Band, including Alun Hoddinott (8th Symphony), Mervyn Burtch, Christopher Painter, John Phillips, John Pickard (Gaia Symphony), Peter Graham, Nigel Clarke and Martin Ellerby. 

Tours to The Netherlands, Norway and Canada performances at the major Welsh Festivals, including the Welsh Proms, together with radio and television broadcasts have all featured in the Band’s activities to date.