The Duchess of Cornwall to become Patron of National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

As the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain takes the stage for this week’s Coronation Gala concerts at Buckingham Palace, we would like to add our congratulations that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to become the NYO new Patron.

NYO performing with Katherine Jenkins at the Coronation Gala concerts at Buckingham Palace – Image: Theo Cohen Photography

It has been a year of royal connections for NYO. In December, they became the first organisation to win the prestigious Queen’s Medal for Music celebrating their 64-year commitment to nurturing the talent and potential of Britain’s teenage musicians. Last week, NYO members performed at a Gala concert in Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty the Queen. And, The Duchess of Cornwall has generously agreed to support the orchestra as Patron.

NYO enjoyed royal patronage from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for 49 years, from 1953 to 2002, who performed her role with characteristic generosity. When attending NYO concerts at the Royal Festival Hall in London she made a point of shaking hands with the entire orchestra.

On hearing news of the new NYO Patron, Sarah Hughes, a 16 year old cellist in the orchestra, said: ‘NYO is such an inspiring organisation. It’s brilliant to think that a member of the Royal family thinks so too. I can’t wait to play for The Duchess.’

Dame Liz Forgan, Chair of NYO said: ‘We are honoured to have the support of The Duchess of Cornwall. Her patronage I’m sure will inspire others to treasure our orchestra as an emblem of what British teenagers, given a chance to develop exceptional talent, can do.’

As well as performing at Buckingham Palace, this summer NYO’s programme of events includes a two-week residency in Derry-Londonderry as part of the City of Culture 2013 celebrations. Aiming to inspire every young musician in Northern Ireland, the programme ranges from grand concert performances to pop-up moments on streets, community centres and even in living rooms across the city.

Following the residency, NYO will be performing at this year’s Free Prom at the Royal Albert Hall on 11 August 2013 with Principal Conductor, Vasily Petrenko. The performance will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Irish Youth Chamber Choir and Codetta to mark the Royal Philharmonic Society’s bicentenary.

Elevation Learning are proud to be a supporter of the NYO.

NYO honoured with the Queen’s Medal for Music

NYO members who received the award from Her Majesty The Queen

Elevation Learning’s current designated charity is the National Youth Orchestra.

We are pleased to add our congratulations to the members of the NYO who received the Queen’s Medal for Music last week.

Members of NYO received the award from Her Majesty The Queen at a London Symphony Orchestra concert at Barbican Hall in front of a packed house. Following the presentation, five NYO string principals joined the LSO to take part in a side by side performance of Elgar’s Enigma Variations under Robin Ticciati, himself a former NYO member.

The Queen’s Medal is awarded annually, given in recognition of a significant contribution that has been made to the country’s musical life. Overseen by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in his capacity as Master of the Queen’s Music, nominations are made by an influential panel which he chairs. Previous winners include Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel, conductor Sir Colin Davis and singer Dame Emma Kirkby. Joining such illustrious company, NYO has become the first organisation in the medal’s history to receive the award.

To see more go to the NYO, BBC News and the , the British Monarchy websites.