Cardiff University hosts National Youth Arts Wales spring rehearsals

Music colleagues and the University’s Concert Hall recently hosted National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) spring rehearsals for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Dr Charles Wilson, Director of Student Professional Development in the Music department said: “It’s been a privilege to host the choirs and instrumental ensembles of National Youth Arts Wales and to hear their outstanding music-making filling our concert hall and rehearsal spaces.”

He continued: “No one should underestimate the collective commitment in Wales to embedding transformative music and arts education, with National Youth Arts Wales standing at the very forefront of this work.  We hope that by experiencing our environment the students have gained a fresh sense of the fully realistic path that exists for them into higher education and the profession.”
Working with NYAW and helping to prepare for the intense rehearsals was Poppy Ancell, a current music student on placement with the arts organisation.

“Poppy was able not just to get involved in the extensive behind-the-scenes work towards the spring courses but also to see how, like all of NYAW’s expert tutors, you can balance a successful performing career with being an inspiring mentor to future generations,” Dr Wilson added.

Poppy, reflecting on her work placement and the work involved in preparing for the spring rehearsals, said: “While my job was very admin focused, organising music for the Easter rehearsals, it gave me such a helpful insight into arts management and has inspired me to pursue it after my degree."

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy CEO, National Youth Arts Wales said: “In a particularly busy period for National Youth Arts Wales, Poppy provided vital support in the lead up to and during our music ensemble rehearsals which was very much appreciated. As well as helping us prepare for the rehearsals Poppy spent time with various members of the team learning about their roles and the different elements of the organisation. It was a pleasure to work with Poppy, her enthusiasm for music and her hopes for working with young people in some way in the future aligned perfectly with us, making it a very positive experience all around.”

The placement with NYAW was arranged as part of the Music department’s Business of Music scheme, which has so far given more than 250 students invaluable placement experience across the arts, music education, the commercial music industry and the charity sector as part of their degree.

From August 2026, the music department and music programmes will be part of the new School of Global Humanities.

Adapted from the original article published by NYAW.