What’s on in 2022 for National Youth Orchestras of Scotland
Beyond that one immeasurable highlight, the forthcoming season showcases performers across its classical and jazz ensembles in programmes full of dazzling orchestral colour, and the very latest contemporary jazz arrangements, designed to challenge and inspire.
NYOS chief executive Kirsteen Davidson Kelly said: “It is a tremendous privilege to share this programme of concerts from the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland with you.
“The resilience and enthusiasm of our young players has provided hope and optimism during unprecedented and challenging times for musicians and music organisations alike. After this testing period, I am thrilled to begin my time at NYOS by celebrating our first live concerts in over two years.”
NYOS Junior Orchestra perform an entire symphony, a real feat for its accomplished younger players. NYOS Senior Orchestra adopts a new form in 2022, reimagined as a chamber-sized orchestra. This will introduce its musicians to a new orchestral setting, with more opportunities for solo playing and a more intimate, conversational style of music-making.
NYOS Symphony Orchestra renews its partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and will feature as part of the RSNO season in spring before its summer tour.
The NYOS 2022 programme features some of the very best orchestral and jazz repertoire, including Ravel’s relentlessly inventive Daphnis et Chloé Suites Nos.1 & 2, a rare opportunity for NYOS Senior Orchestra to perform a Beethoven symphony as a chamber-sized ensemble, and The Oak by Florence Price, the first American woman of colour to have her work performed by a major orchestra in the 1930s.
Once again, the young musicians are joined by fantastic soloists and internationally-renowned conductors. These include award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam, who has built an international performance, recording and broadcasting career after becoming the first saxophone player to reach the BBC Young Musician Final in 2016. Jess performs with NYOS Symphony Orchestra in spring under the baton of Kerem Hasan, winner of the Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award.
Davidson Kelly added: “Under the guidance of exceptional instrumental tutors from across Scotland, our players will perform alongside world-class soloists, conductors and guest artists, including violist and BBC New Generation Artist Timothy Ridout, and Natalia Luis-Bassa, a renowned leader in youth music and Professor of Conducting at the Royal College of Music, who returns to conduct the Junior Orchestra for a third year.”
The programme also explores contemporary repertoire with NYOS Senior Orchestra performing Jupiter’s Fairground, a concert overture by British composer Eleanor Alberga, whose work is celebrated internationally for its emotional impact, depth of craft, brilliant colouring and orchestration.
In 2022, NYOS celebrates 30 years of jazz and acknowledges a long history of prestigious national and international performances with some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Following the Jazz Summer School in the breathtaking surroundings on the Isle of Skye, NYOS Jazz Orchestra embarks on a Scottish tour, performing special arrangements by this year’s artist in residence, pianist Julian Joseph.
Alongside this year’s performances, NYOS will continue its projects in schools and communities across Scotland, including its current ambassador programme of training and work opportunities for recent music graduates.
For details of the NYOS 2022 programme visit www.nyos.co.uk and to book tickets click here.