Honouring Richard Chester MBE, our visionary Director from 1987-2007, the fund continues Richard’s legacy by providing world-class opportunities for aspiring young musicians.

As NYOS evolves to fulfil the needs of a new generation of musicians, the Richard Chester Creativity Fund will support the type of prestigious and inclusive opportunities with which Richard was synonymous, such as providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the 100-strong National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, creating access to our programmes for young people nationally, or providing a platform for a promising young conductor.

Richard had a long and distinguished career, latterly as principal flautist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, performing in many chamber groups and as a soloist at home and abroad.

The Richard Chester Creativity Fund honours Richard’s exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to music by raising funds for NYOS in his memory.

As NYOS evolves to fulfil the needs of a new generation of musicians, the Richard Chester Creativity Fund will support the type of prestigious and inclusive opportunities with which Richard was synonymous, such as providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the 100-strong National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, creating access to our programmes for young people nationally, or providing a platform for a promising young conductor.

Supported by the Chester family, the Richard Chester Creativity Fund will continue Richard’s legacy and support NYOS’s ambitious plans to nurture, celebrate and widen access to outstanding youth orchestras, inspiring young people to realise their potential.