Winners Announced for 2026 National Youth Orchestra and Welsh National Brass Band Awards

The 2026 awards for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales were announced, recognising young musicians who demonstrated the greatest promise and dedication during their residential courses. Each year, these awards are presented to participants who stand out for their commitment and progress, as determined by the sectional tutors throughout the residency period.

For the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, the John Childs Memorial Trophy was awarded to Matthew Slade, who was recognised as the most promising player on the residential course. The David Mabey Award, given to the player who showed the most improvement during the course, went to Iestyn Seiriol. Stephanie Jonas received the Principal Cornet Trophy, which is presented by Tony Small.

In the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, the Haydn Davies Award was given to Ethan Pawley, who was recognised as the most promising player still in education. The Irwyn Walters Awards, supported by Friends of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, were presented to Sarah Derrick and Susannah Rance as the two most promising string players on the residential course this year.

The Wil Jones Award, recognising the most promising woodwind player on the residential course, was awarded to Rita Feditsa. For brass, the Goronwy Evans Award was shared by Dylan Savage and Sean Linton, both acknowledged as the most promising brass players on the course.

In the harp category, the Tony Moore Harp Award was jointly given to Isobel Hill and Heledd Wynn-Newton, both recognised as the most promising harpists on the residential course. The Tony Moore Percussion Award went to Josh Gurner, who was named the most promising percussion player.

The Tim Lles Award, which recognises overall contribution to the orchestra, was presented to Rhys Ferguson and Carys Williams. These awards are decided by the sectional tutors, who assess the musicians' progress and dedication during the residential periods.

The National Youth Arts Wales expressed gratitude to those who have contributed financially to the creation of these awards. The annual recognition of young musicians aims to celebrate their promise and dedication, as well as to encourage their continued development within the vibrant youth music community in Wales.