We are pleased to announce composer Dani Howard as Resident Artist during 2024. As Resident Artist, Dani will feature in every part of the NYO adventure from the Orchestra to NYO Inspire and NYO Open. Teenage musicians will connect with Dani and her music through innovative projects and performances which will showcase her captivating music and amplify the voices of young people.
Dani first collaborated with NYO during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. She played a pivotal role in sustaining the connection between teenage musicians through her composition, Jigsaw. This work enabled over 800 teenagers nationwide to perform online together, inspiring them to stay passionate about their music-making, despite the barriers they were facing.
In January 2024, the brass and percussion sections of the Orchestra premiered Ascent. Written by Dani as a companion piece to Strauss’ Alpine Symphony, the work reflects the act of standing up as young musicians, to be seen and heard, and to have their voices become part of our world.
As Resident Artist, Dani’s creativity and music will resonate across the entire NYO community during 2024:
- In February, musicians from The National Youth Orchestra will perform Arches to over 1,300 secondary school pupils in two concerts at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. Inspired by the emotional ups and downs we all go through and particularly relevant to teenagers, the work is full of positivity.
- At NYO’s Spring Residency the Orchestra will perform existing works by Dani whilst taking inspiration from her to create new music.
- Further plans are also being developed with Dani for projects with NYO Inspire and the Orchestra this summer.
Craig West, NYO Programmes Director said:
“Dani’s commitment to empowering young people – developing their creative music-making and providing them with a voice – are shared by all of us at NYO. We’re anticipating a year that will open up ground-breaking music and inspiring ideas to many more teenage musicians and audiences.”
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