During the 2018 Year of Young People, NYCOS was in residency at the Edinburgh International Festival with no fewer than four performances. This began with the National Youth Choir of Scotland performing at the Opening Concert in Haydn The Creation alongside the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and soloists Sarah Tynan, Robert Murray and Neal Davies, under the baton of Edward Gardner.
Haydn’s Creation. A brilliant opening concert ! @edintfest Bravi Edward Gardner @SCOmusic @NYCoScotland @LaTynan Robert Murray & Neal Davies. @theusherhall Thank you all. pic.twitter.com/IZTvZjpKMC
— Stewart Irvine (@stewart_irvine) August 4, 2018
@edintfest opening concert a real Joy! @NYCoScotland did themselves proud! #YoungSingersRock BRAVI TUTTI! pic.twitter.com/6nt7N1wUbL
— Andrea Baker Mezzo (@ABakerMezzo) August 4, 2018
Last night’s Haydn Creation @edintfest was my first experience of @NYCoScotland. Wow! Simply stunning!
— Donald Macleod (@DonaldMacleod01) August 5, 2018
“top marks to Scotland’s best mixed chorus, bar none.” ***** Ken Walton, The Scotsman, 6 August 2018
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“Chorus master Christopher Bell’s musicians are simply often the best choir in the country” ***** Keith Bruce, The Herald, 6 August
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“the phenomenally talented singers of NYCOS would shame any rivals with their professionalism.” Simon Thompson, Seen and Heard International, 5 August
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The National Youth Choir of Scotland also performed its own sell-out concert at the Usher Hall, conducted by Christopher Bell. The programme featured four works by Vaughan Williams, Tippett, Thea Musgrave and Eric Whitacre.
That was truly outstanding! @NYCoScotland at #edintfest – such talent, so moving, stunning at full throttle. Teared up at the Whitacre. Unforgettable. #YOYP2018 pic.twitter.com/HRBKUlB1to
— Karen Watt (@KarenVWatt) August 5, 2018
Wow. I was warned but When David Heard destroyed me. Such power and emotion. Wonderful. Wonderful. @NYCoScotland @edintfest
— Clair Gilchrist (@clairg) August 5, 2018
Something truly transcedent in music occurred in Scotland this afternoon @edintfest @theusherhall . @EricWhitacre and @bellman143 the absolute geniuses as @NYCoScotland performs When David Heard. #beyondmoving #ThankYou
— Tess Campbell (@TessCampbell7) August 5, 2018
“they are, beyond debate, the best choir in Scotland” ***** Keith Bruce, The Herald, 7 August
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“their superb a cappella set knocked our socks off” **** Susan Nickalls, The Scotsman, 7 August
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We were delighted that singers from the National Youth Choir of Scotland were recognised with a prestigious Herald Angel Award for their outstanding performances, noted as ‘sensational in the opening concert’ and ‘terrific’ in their own a capella concert.
The talented young singers of @NYCoScotland got recognised for their breathtaking performance at the #EdintFest opening concert and their own concert the following day #YOYP2018 #HeraldAngels pic.twitter.com/iB3F1H198n
— edintfest (@edintfest) August 11, 2018
Meanwhile, NYCOS National Girls Choir appeared in a concert performance of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.
Wow!! Amazing performances tonight @usherhall @NYCoScotland @RSNO @edinfest Fantastic night !
— Alison W (@aewest32) August 15, 2018
A couple of real treats today in Edinburgh. An engaging and simply beautiful recital this morning from @CMorisonMezzo and @SimonLepper! Followed by a delightful Hansel and Gretel this evening at the Usher Hall. Especially enjoyed hearing @NYCoScotland NGC! #EdintFest #Singing
— Rebecca Pennykid Mezzo (@RPennykid) August 15, 2018
https://t.co/ska7CoWBzv Opera few days from my 3 score and 10(allegedly)best Birthday present since my Davy Crockett hat when I was 10. The performance was incredibly moving a stunning cast,wonderful musicians superbly led,the icing on the cake such talented girls take a bow sir!
— Jimmy farrelly (@BingBhoyJim) August 16, 2018
We were delighted to hear that the concert performance was also a recipient of a Herald Angel Award.
We’re delighted to hear that the concert performance of Hansel and Gretel has been awarded a #HeraldAngels, presented by the amazing @IAMKP. Huge congratulations to all the artists who put together this fantastic production @heraldscotland @captheatres #Edintfest pic.twitter.com/1zJxfYwZDY
— edintfest (@edintfest) August 18, 2018
“they were, as we know to expect, immaculate.” ***** Keith Bruce, The Herald, 16 August
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NYCOS National Girls Choir amazed again in the closing concert, Mahler’s Eighth Symphony.
Magnificent Mahler at the Usher Hall from the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra with excellent Edinburgh Festival Chorus and National Youth Choir of Scotland @edintfest @NYCoScotland ? pic.twitter.com/LBBs1ouWh5
— Fiona Hyslop (@FionaHyslop) August 26, 2018
@NYCoScotland @djharding Mahler 8 was incredible tonight. I’m honestly struggling for words to describe it adequately. @edintfest
— Alastair McGhee (@shootahs) August 26, 2018
Congratulations to @NYCoScotland National Girls Choir for their phenomenal contribution to Mahler’s 8th Symphony tonight (“Symphony of a thousand”)https://t.co/GaAmUawUMg
One of four performances by NYCOS choirs at @theusherhall at this year’s @edintfest
Very apt for @YOYP2018 pic.twitter.com/ImgUTBo9c7— Graham Mackenzie?? (@gmacscotland) August 26, 2018
No better piece than Mahler 8 for Christopher Bell’s swansong as Edinburgh Festival Chorus Director. The choruses, orchestra and soloists sounded magnificent, all gloriously brought together by @djharding. Delighted to have added some celestial tinkles into the Mahlerian mix. pic.twitter.com/bKq6kkcH03
— Michael Bawtree ?? (@MichaelJBawtree) August 27, 2018
“full-voiced, warm and solid” **** Rowena Smith, the Guardian, 27 August
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Photo credit: Aly Wight
