Launch of New Creativity Fund Reaches £20,000!

A big thank you from all at NYOS to the generous donors who have supported the launch of the Richard Chester Creativity Fund.

We are thrilled to announce that the £20,000 target for our Richard Chester Creativity Fund has been surpassed thanks to the many wonderful donors who have supported the launch, following a special event hosted by the Chester family. Set up to celebrate the life of our former Director, Richard Chester, who led NYOS for over 20 years, the fund will support NYOS’s ambitious plans to nurture, celebrate and widen access to outstanding youth orchestras and inspire young people to realise their potential.

This summer’s Symphony Orchestra concerts were conducted by English National Opera’s Music Director, Martyn Brabbins, who led the orchestra through a programme of virtuosic repertoire, alongside appearances from three world-class soloists, including BBC New Generation Artist, Elena Urioste.  

The orchestra’s performance at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 15 July was a celebration of Richard’s life and legacy and saw a sextet of players perform an arrangement of the overture to Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, a special piece for Richard and his wife Sarah who met on a production of the opera.

Richard’s impact on Scotland’s young musicians was evident from speeches and anecdotes shared by guests before the concert, many of whom are now professional musicians.  As such, it was fitting to witness such a sensational performance from our Symphony Orchestra players, who could not have made a stronger case for the importance and joy of ensemble music-making and the incredible results of a NYOS course.

"Scotland’s youngsters prove they are world class in NYOS’ exquisite performance…"

Press & Journal

The first project to receive support from the Richard Chester Creativity Fund will be a special collaboration for NYOS Camerata, an ensemble for NYOS’ most senior players, inaugurated by Richard during his time as Director. Watch this space for more updates, and if you would like to donate to the fund, there is still time. Please visit – https://www.nyos.co.uk/news/the-richard-chester-creativity-fund-20022023

Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated for your generosity, and to all those that made our Symphony Orchestra concerts such a success. Our players are now enjoying a well-deserved rest before applications for NYOS 2024 open on Tuesday 5 September.