National Youth Choir appoints head of creative programmes and a principal conductor

The National Youth Choir has announced two appointments to its leadership team.

MATTHEW QUINN has been appointed principal conductor of National Youth Choir (15-18 years), while CARRIS JONES becomes head of creative programmes.

Quinn, who is from Belfast, is currently chorus director of English National Opera, musical director of Cappella Caeciliana, and musical director of London Youth Chamber Choir.

He has also worked with, amongst others, Chamber Choir Ireland, Northern Ireland Opera and Opera Collective Ireland/Academy für Alte Musik Berlin.

Jones is a full-time musician. She joined the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral in 2017, the first female Vicar Choral to be appointed in its thousand-year history.

Since joining, she has worked for the introduction of girl choristers into the Cathedral’s world-famous choir.

Prior to going full-time as a musician in 2012, Jones worked as a researcher and speechwriter in the Houses of Parliament, and in project management roles for the civil service.

National Youth Choir creative director LUCY HOLLINS said: “I am thrilled to welcome these two fantastic musicians and educators to the National Youth Choir team.

“Both Carris and Matthew bring with them a wealth of experience, enthusiasm for creative collaboration, and an unsurpassed understanding of how to inspire and nurture young singers.

Quinn completes a “new-look line up of conductors” at the National Youth Choir, joining the principal conductors of the 18-25 and 9-15 choirs, NIC CHALMERS and LYNSEY CALLAGHAN.