NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 Live Final

Join us for The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition 2026 Live Final, a free public event celebrating the next generation of brass band leadership and musical excellence. Now in its third edition, this prestigious biannual competition — generously supported by British Army Music — aims to discover and develop the most promising brass band conducting talent aged 20 to 30.

This year’s competition attracted 19 exceptional entrants from both brass band and non-brass band backgrounds across the UK and beyond, reflecting the prestige and global appeal of The NYBBGB’s competition to inspire young musicians from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds.

Following a rigorous shortlisting process by Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts (Principal Director of Music, British Army) and Dr Robert Childs (NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning), four finalists will be selected and announced in December 2025.

At the live final, each finalist will conduct one of four iconic brass band works with a combined ensemble of players from The NYBBGB and British Army Music in front of a live audience. The judging panel on the day will comprise Major Craig Bywater (Chief Instructor at the Royal Military School of Music) and Dr Robert Childs.

The finalists will compete for the prestigious title of NYBBGB Young Conductor 2026 – and for the opportunity to become Assistant Conductor for The NYBBGB’s 2026 summer course and concert, working alongside Lieutenant Colonel Petritz-Watts and conducting at the Band’s flagship performance at The Forum, Bath on 8th August 2026.

As part of the day’s celebrations, British Army Music will also present a special 45-minute brass quintet concert featuring musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music, showcasing the exceptional talent and versatility of one of the country’s finest musical organisations.

Dr Robert Childs, NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning and competition judge, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled by the response to this year’s competition. The calibre of entries from such a wide range of musical and cultural backgrounds shows the remarkable reach and prestige of this event. We’re very excited to see the four best entrants take to the podium in January – it promises to be a truly inspiring and exciting event.”

This free live event offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness the artistry, energy and leadership of some of the UK’s brightest emerging conductors — and enjoy an inspiring day of brass band music at its very best.

About The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is the UK’s leading brass band charity for children and young people. Formed in 1952 by Dr Denis Wright, we exist to give the brightest young brass and percussion musicians the opportunity to develop their musicianship, play together and inspire others. The NYBBGB currently runs two brass bands – the Children’s Band and the Youth Band and entry is by audition. Our bands perform advanced music and receive the highest quality artistic direction and teaching. This develops our young members as musicians to grow the next generation of outstanding brass and percussion players, teachers, and music leaders.

Find out more at www.nybbgb.org.uk.

About British Army Music

The Corps of Army Music (CAMUS) was formed in 1994 by unifying all regular Army bands under one Corps. In January 2021, The Countess of Wessex (now The Duchess of Edinburgh), Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps, bestowed the Royal Title to the Corps, renaming the Corps to The Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM).

All regular Army bands are now part of The Royal Corps of Army Music.

The Corps’ former headquarters, Kneller Hall, was opened by HRH Field Marshal the Duke of Cambridge in 1857 and had since been the home of Army music. In 1887, Her Majesty Queen Victoria retitled the establishment to the Royal Military School of Music (RMSM), where for over a century, Army musicians receive their training. In 2021, the Corps’ headquarters and RMSM were moved to Minley and Portsmouth respectively.

Externally known as British Army Music, RCAM’s musicians deliver musical support to the Army and the wider Defence community. Through music, our musicians sustain and develop the moral component of fighting power, support state ceremonial events, and achieve influence both domestically and on the international stage. Having just celebrated the 30th anniversary of the organisation’s establishment, British Army Music continues to deliver world-class performances to further Defence’s and national interests.