The National Youth Orchestra of Wales was founded in 1945 and is Europe's longest-standing national youth orchestra. It has an impressive history and has rightly merited attention both in Wales and beyond.
International artist Anna Noakes is in great demand as a solo performer and broadcasts regularly for BBC radio and television. She also works as a guest principal flute with a number of London's major orchestras including the Royal Opera House and the London Philharmonic. Richard Hand is much in demand as an ensemble player, playing at the BBC Proms, and having made numerous recordings and broadcasts throughout the world.
Northern Ballet Theatre is committed to live music at as many of its performances as possible and has its own regular orchestra. The Orchestra also perform a number of concerts outside of its work with the company. This includes the highly acclaimed outdoor concert, "Classical Fantasia" at Kirkstall Abbey every September.
