Northern Ireland

Private donors step in to save NI National Youth Choir from closure

National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland had announced closure in July after Arts Council funding was withdrawn

The National Youth Choir NI works with hundreds of young singers every year, but organisers said a decision from the Arts Council to cut their funding has forced them to close. PICTURE: NYCNI
The National Youth Choir NI works with thousands of young singers every year. PICTURE: NYCNI
By Allan Preston

Northern Ireland’s National Youth Choir has been saved thanks to the “generosity of supporters and private donors” after the withdrawal of Arts Council funding threatened its survival.

First reported by the Irish News in July, it was announced the cross-community programme was closing after 26 years when the Arts Council decided not to renew the annual funding of around £60,000.

At the time, the Arts Council said the decision was not about money but “the ability of the organisation to meet the programme’s criteria”.

Members of the choir called it an “act of cultural vandalism” which would leave Northern Ireland as the only region in the UK and Ireland without a national youth choir.

Among the well-known performers to pass through the choir’s ranks have been the Co Tyrone actor Fra Free and Celtic Woman star Tara McNeill, who both spoke out in support.

In a statement issued last week, the choir announced it was relaunching under a “newly expanded board of directors”.

“Thanks to the generosity of supporters and private donors, NYCNI has secured sufficient funding to begin planning for residentials and performances in Easter and Summer 2026,” the statement read.

“The organisation remains committed to ensuring that talented young singers across Northern Ireland continue to have access to high-quality choral training and performance opportunities.”

Despite “extensive efforts” to engage with the Arts Council, they said this had “not yet resulted in renewed support”.

The National Youth Choir NI works with thousands of young singers every year, but organisers said the decision from the Arts Council to cut their funding has forced them to close. PICTURE: NYCNI
The National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland PICTURE: NYCNI

Hopeful this will be reconsidered in the future, they said the choir’s “unique and irreplaceable” role in the region’s musical and cultural life deserved support.

The choir’s chair, Alastair J. Rankin, commented: “Wilson Graham’s dedication and faith in NYCNI inspired us all to continue his vision. We are determined to rebuild and strengthen the choir for the future. With the help of our supporters, we will make sure that young voices across Northern Ireland continue to be heard.”

NYCNI Artistic Director Andrew Nunn.
NYCNI Artistic Director Andrew Nunn.

Artistic Director Andrew Nunn added: “I am filled with excitement as we embark on this new chapter for NYCNI.

“To the Board, our supporters and donors: thank you for believing in the power of young voices and for giving us the opportunity to set our sights on exceptional choral experiences ahead.

“Together, we will renew, rebuild and make music that resonates across Northern Ireland and beyond.”

A new fundraising campaign will now begin in November to secure support for future seasons and to demonstrate the support to the Arts Council.