Bingley violinist named leader of National Youth Orchestra

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 07:38 · Archive

James Jet Uttley, a 17-year-old violinist from Bingley, has been named leader of the National Youth Orchestra of 2027. The orchestra comprises 160 musicians from across the UK.

Half of this year's orchestra members are state-educated or home-schooled, and 34 per cent are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Uttley said: 'NYO has given me a real sense of belonging, bringing me together with young musicians from across the country who share my passion for orchestral music.' He added: 'As this year's Leader, I want to build a community where we challenge, encourage and bring out the best in one another, and show more teenagers how powerful orchestral music can be.'

Forty-three per cent of this year's NYO musicians progressed through the NYO Inspire programme, which supports teenagers from state schools and those facing barriers to musical opportunities. Sarah Alexander OBE, CEO and creative director of NYO, said: 'The continued growth in demand for places shows just how many teenagers want orchestral music to be part of their lives.'

Each member of the orchestra will lead a workshop at a local primary school, reaching an estimated 24,000 children. Their winter tour, titled Voyage, runs from 5 to 8 January 2027, with performances in Manchester, Warwick and London. Teenagers can attend NYO concerts free through the organisation's Free for Teens ticket scheme.

How it is being reported

• Bingley teenager named leader of National Youth OrchestraA TALENTED teenager has been named the new leader of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO)Keighley News · 22 Oct, 07:00
• Bingley teenager named leader of National Youth OrchestraA TALENTED teenager has been named the new leader of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO)Telegraph & Argus · 22 Oct, 07:00

In this story: James Jet Uttley · National Youth Orchestra · Bingley · Sarah Alexander · Manchester · Warwick · London

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