October 2025 Update
After a brief pause in 2025, the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) is thrilled to announce its relaunch under a new Board of Directors and with renewed purpose. With fresh energy, generous donor support, and plans for Easter and Summer 2026 residentials, NYCNI looks ahead to an exciting new chapter — continuing to inspire, educate, and empower young singers across Northern Ireland.
The National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland Relaunches with New Board and Renewed Vision
Following a temporary pause in activity during the summer of 2025 due to the withdrawal of core funding, the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) is delighted to announce its relaunch under the leadership of 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 organisation remains committed to ensuring that talented young singers across Northern Ireland continue to have access to high-quality choral training and performance opportunities.
The pause in NYCNI’s activity earlier this year followed the withdrawal of core funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) — a decision that the organisation received with deep disappointment. Despite extensive efforts to engage with ACNI and demonstrate the impact, reach, and national importance of the choir’s work, those discussions have not yet resulted in renewed support. NYCNI remains hopeful that this position will be reconsidered in the future, recognising that as the only national-level youth choir in Northern Ireland, the organisation plays a unique and irreplaceable role in the region’s musical and cultural life.
Chair Alastair J. Rankin MBE 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.”
Andrew Nunn, Artistic Director, 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.”
As NYCNI looks to the future, the organisation will be launching a new fundraising campaign, in November 2025, to secure sustainable support for future seasons and to demonstrate to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland the vital role NYCNI continues to play in developing the next generation of choral musicians and cultural ambassadors for Northern Ireland.
Supporters, alumni, and friends of NYCNI are warmly invited to contribute to the campaign, in due course, or contact the Board for further information on how to get involved.
NYCNI Board of Directors
Alastair Rankin (Chair)
James Grossmith
Andrew Kerr
Amanda MacLeod
Linda Montgomery
Paul Mulholland
Micheál Murphy
Laura Salt
Gillian White
General enquiries to the Board of Directors (press materials and further information): admin@nycni.org
Media Enquiries (for interviews, and comment): ajrankin21@gmail.com