National Youth Choirs of Great Britain announces 2021/22 NYC auditions
Harriet Clifford
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Choir members joining for the coming year will work with international vocal group The Swingles on a new commission.
Ruth Evans
NYCGB has announced that singers aged 18-22 will be able to book a National Youth Choir (NYC) audition from 4pm on 7 May.
One of NYCGB’s five choirs, NYC is its ensemble for singers aged 18-25. To audition, young people must be aged 18 on 31 August 2021 to age 22 on 31 August 2022, or aged 25 for current members.
Auditions will take place on Zoom with a reduced fee of £20, with booking open from 7 May to 7 June. Financial assistance towards auditions and membership is available online.
If successful, NYC members will participate in a year-round training and performance programme alongside professional musicians and coaches, with the opportunity to be part of national and international events, concerts and festivals.
Ben Parry, NYCGB artistic director and principal conductor of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain said: ‘Despite the huge disappointments we have all experienced over the past year, the National Youth Choir continues to celebrate all that’s brilliant about being the UK’s national choral team.
‘We have adapted to new ways of working with our online projects, including sessions with some exceptional musicians from across the world, as well as interactive workshops, presentations and recordings.
‘We are forging ahead with exciting plans for the coming year, including an inspiring new commission with international vocal group The Swingles on the theme of environment, as well as recording and performance opportunities throughout the year.
‘We hope as many talented singers as possible will audition for the most exciting programme for young singers in the UK.’
NYCGB is particularly encouraging young people who are currently underrepresented in choral music, including young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those from lower-income families to audition.
Anyone interested in auditioning can attend a free interactive online Open Event on 7 May and 8 May where they will meet Ben Parry and find out what it’s like to be an NYC member.
