BHMPA/BYO

Brighton Youth Orchestra (BYO) was founded in the late 1940’s and became the first youth orchestra in Great Britain to be directly supported by the local council.

The first conductor was Ronald Harding, who had been principal cellist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He was followed by Wilfred Smith. David Gray MBE was Director of Music from 1961 – 1994. In 1974 under his direction the orchestra represented Britain three times at International Festivals (Montreux ,  Aberdeen and St Moritz), and toured extensively.

Under local authority reform BYO became an independent Trust and moved to the University of Brighton. Without this accommodation, the orchestra would not have survived.
In 1995 Andrew Sherwood as Director took over and increasing demand for orchestral experience led to expansion, and the formation a comprehensive and integrated progressive structure of orchestras and ensembles. The orchestras received recognition and awards locally, nationally and internationally.

Since 1995 the orchestras have undertaken exciting collaborations including: London Symphony Orchestra, the Hanover Band, the Philharmonia, Glyndebourne, choirs from France, Poland and Russia, dance groups from England and Nigeria and youth orchestras and bands from the Ukraine, Holland, Bermuda, Sweden, France, Hong Kong (even performing a Chinese Symphony there) and Macau.

New works for BYO have included ‘Exstasis’ by Sir John Tavener. Soloists include John Tomlinson, a traditional Chinese instrument soloist, Nigerian Jembe drummer, Pipers from Hong Kong, Richard Durrant, Evelyn Glennie and Joanna McGregor.

In September 2004 BYO and Brighton & Hove Music and Performing Arts formally amalgamated. This comes at a very significant time for youth music in our city. Both BYO and Brighton & Hove Music and Performing Arts have been recognised for their achievements at national level. It is clear that this successful amalgamation brings orchestral playing ‘home’ again and is a key element of the delivery of performance opportunities to young people in the city of Brighton & Hove. The recent amalgamation gives the City of Brighton & Hove a unique opportunity to further develop into one of the most inclusive dynamic and exciting youth music and dance organisations anywhere in the country.

BYO Trust