NYOS to fundraise £20,000 in honour of Richard Chester

The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is launching a new fund, aiming to raise £20,000 in honour of the life and legacy of Richard Chester MBE – the visionary director of NYOS from 1987 to 2007, who passed away in 2020.

To celebrate the launch of the fund, NYOS Symphony orchestra will perform alongside guest soloist violinist Elena Urioste in Peth concert Hall on 15 July. Conducted by Martyn Brabbins, the current Music Director for English National Opera, the programme features music from Strauss, Elgar and Coleridge-Taylor.

NYOS Chief Executive, Kirsteen Davidson Kelly, says: ‘Richard launched NYOS Camerata in the 1990’s to create prestigious opportunities for orchestra members at a pivotal point in their musical development. Having played such a significant role in the lives of so many young people in Scotland, we aim to relaunch NYOS Camerata in 2024 with support from the new fund. We would like to thank the Chester family for their continued support and look forward to continuing Richard’s legacy to nurture, celebrate and widen access to outstanding youth orchestras, inspiring young people to realise their potential.’