NYO appoints Alpesh Chauhan OBE as Principal Conductor & Musical Advisor 

Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor

NYO appoints Alpesh Chauhan OBE as Principal Conductor & Musical Advisor: The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) has announced the appointment of Alpesh Chauhan OBE as its new Principal Conductor and Musical Advisor. This strategic move marks an exciting new chapter for NYO as it continues to make orchestral music resonate with the energy and spirit of teenage musicians across the United Kingdom.

Chauhan will collaborate closely with the orchestra’s leadership team to shape its artistic direction and strengthen NYO’s mission to make orchestral music powerfully relevant to all teenage lives. Under his guidance, NYO aims to inspire young musicians to demonstrate that orchestral music can speak the language of their generation.

This appointment builds on Chauhan’s previous successful partnership with NYO during the acclaimed To the Beat tour last spring, where he led performances at Camden’s Roundhouse, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, and Wigan Youth Zone. Building on that momentum, he will conduct the Orchestra during its Spring 2026 tour, featuring Romeo and Juliet and other notable works in Manchester and London.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Chauhan said,

“I’m so pleased to start working with The National Youth Orchestra in this new role! My first time working with them was in the Spring and I was inspired by the musical prowess and artistic integrity that these exceptional young musicians bring. Their dedication to working hard, with a hunger to always be better and explore deeper into the repertoire, is very special. They’re a remarkable example to other young people of how collaboration and commitment create brilliance. I look forward to our upcoming projects and community initiatives that will inspire and embrace their peers.”

NYO’s CEO and Creative Director, Sarah Alexander OBE, also expressed excitement about the appointment:

“We’re delighted that Alpesh will play a key part in the Orchestra this year, leading one of the orchestra’s major projects and supporting NYO’s teenage musicians as an advocate for their extraordinary creativity.”

With Alpesh Chauhan’s leadership, NYO continues its journey of empowering young talent, redefining orchestral performance, and bridging generations through music. His vision promises to invigorate the orchestra’s creative future, ensuring that the National Youth Orchestra remains a dynamic platform for artistic excellence and innovation.