All change at the National Youth Choir as they bid farewell to three principal conductors

Greg Beardsell and National Youth Choir [Photo: Belinda Lawley]

It is all change at the National Youth Choir as three principal conductors reach the end of their five-year contracts and will be finishing in their current roles at the end of September. The three are Greg Beardsell, principal conductor of the National Youth Choir (15-18 Years) – formerly the National Youth Training Choir, Joanna Tomlinson, principal conductor of National Youth Choir (9-15 Years) – formerly the National Youth Girls’ Choir and Lucy Joy Morris, principal conductor of National Youth Choir (9-15 Years) – formerly the National Youth Boys’ Choir.

Greg Beardsall’s association with the National Youth Choir goes back 30 years as he was a choir member and then section leader in the late 90s, more recently roles have also included associate director and deputy artistic director. Highlights from his time include leading the International Youth Choir Festival in 2017, working with beatboxer SK Shlomo to create She Lost My Crossed Heart, supporting the development of five new commissions by graduate Young Composers and creating the staged performance of Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machines at the National Youth Choir’s 40th anniversary concert in 2023. Greg Beardsall was also instrumental in developing early engagement work, including partnerships in Nottinghamshire, Cornwall and Cumbria.

Joanna Tomlinson & National Youth Choir [Photo: Sara Platt]

During her five years as principal conductor, Joanna Tomlinson premiered three new commissions including A Short Story of Falling by Joanna Marsh, which was nominated for an Ivor Novello award. She has also worked with our older participants, including preparing the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) for the BBC Proms in 2022, and conducting the National Youth Chamber Choir. 

Highlights of Lucy Joy Morris’ time with the choir include premiering the new commission I Am. We Are. by Oliver Tarney, and Just Being ME by Ben Parry (alongside Joanna Tomlinson). She has conducted the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) for Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, and the National Youth Chamber Choir at the New Music Biennial festival. 

Full details from the National Youth Choir website.