National Youth Orchestra welcomes new principal conductor and musical advisor

ALPESH CHAUHAN OBE has been named principal conductor and musical advisor at the National Youth Orchestra (NYO), building on his previous work with the organisation.

Currently principal guest conductor of the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker and music director of Birmingham Opera Company, Chauhan was appointed principal conductor of the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini in Parma following his debut in 2015, and was previously associate conductor for BBC Scottish Symphony.

His appointment follows a partnership developed last spring when Alpesh conducted NYO at Camden’s Roundhouse, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and Wigan Youth Zone.

In his new role, Chauhan will work with the leadership team to shape the orchestra’s artistic direction and champion NYO’s mission to make orchestral music relevant to all teenage lives.

Alpesh said he had been “inspired by the musical prowess and artistic integrity that these exceptional young musicians bring,” adding that “their dedication to working hard with a hunger to always be better and constantly explore the repertoire deeper, is very special”.

“They’re a showcase and remarkable example to other young people of being part of a vibrant community and working together to create brilliance through collaboration and commitment. I hugely look forward to the larger-scale projects together, as well as the community endeavours to inspire and embrace their own age group.”

“We’re delighted that Alpesh will play a key part in the Orchestra this year, leading one of the orchestra’s major projects and supporting NYO’s teenage musicians as an advocate for their extraordinary creativity,” added SARAH ALEXANDER OBE, the organisation’s CEO and creative director.