National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain

The National Youth Wind Orchestra (NYWO) was originally named The British Youth Wind Orchestra when founded by clarinettist Eric McGavin in 1968. Stephen Dodgson (Chairman), Andrew McGavin, Robert Montgomery and Leonard Salzedo established it as a charity on 1 January 1986 and registered it with the Charity Commission on 28 February 1986. It was renamed the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain (NYWO) in 1986. Thousands of young wind, brass, and percussion players have passed through the orchestra, many of whom are now found in professional music-making around the world. Kit Shepherd directed the organisation from 1990 until 2013. In 2024 the organisation was renamed 'National Youth Wind Orchestra' (NYWO). The current CEO and Artistic Director is Louisa Denby. NYWO has conductor Simon Rattle as its patron. == Performances ==

The NYWO has performed at concert venues throughout the country and abroad including St John's, Smith Square, the Royal Albert Hall, Duke's Hall, Cadogan Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, the Zeughaus in Teufen, Ittingen Charterhouse (Switzerland) and the Rudolfinum in Prague (Czech Republic). It performed at the Royal Albert Hall Promenade Concert 40 in the 2012 season and the BBC Proms Millennium Day in 2000 which was organised by Kit Shepherd in conjunction with the BBC. NYWO has also been recorded on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. == Conductors ==

Conductors have included Dr Glenn D.Price (Canada), Dr Matthew George (America), Dr James Gourlay (Scotland), Colin Touchin (England) 1969–89, Harry Legge OBE (England), Peter Bassano (England), Tijmen Botma (Netherlands), (Sweden), Dr Robert Childs (Wales). == Composition ==

NYWO continues to commission new works whenever possible, inviting composers and soloists to work closely with members of the orchestra on new compositions. The orchestra were invited to perform Gavin Higgins's BBC Commission and world premiere, Der Aufstand, to much acclaim for the BBC Promenade Concert 40 in the 2012 season. == Charitable trust ==

NYWO is a registered charity (no. 1205305). Current trustees are Mr Paul Harris, Mr Andrew Somerville, Ms Catherine Millar, and Mr John Hutchins. This orchestra relies wholly on charitable donations, gifts and sponsorship. == See also ==