Founded in 1956 by Blyth Major
Former Patron: Paul Daniel, CBE

Former Chairman: Stephen Williams
Former Music Director: Anthony Bradbury

[Midland Youth Orchestra]

Introduction

For 48 years, the Midland Youth Orchestra (MYO) was the leading independent symphony orchestra for young players in the Midlands, UK.

From the autumn of 2004, the MYO was incorporated into the exciting new CBSO Youth Orchestra.

However, as a tribute to the MYO, this web site is being maintained as a record of the MYO’s many achievements over a period of nearly half a century.

As well as past news and a brief history of the orchestra, this site contains press reviews, comments from past members, and full details of the MYO’s final concert on Sunday 11 July 2004 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. What would have been the MYO’s 50th Anniversary was marked at the CBSO Youth Orchestra’s concert on 29th October 2006.

We’re also keen to hear from past members. If you are a former MYO player, please complete the form on the Alumni page so that we can keep in touch. We held our second reunion in February 2013 - full details can be found on the Reunions page.

Each year the James Langley Memorial Trust (JLMT) continues to provide financial assistance to advance the musical training of the most talented and deserving young players of the new CBSO Youth Orchestra. Please do consider donating to the JLMT and so support the next generation of young musicians.

Finally, it is with much sadness that I report the death of Stephen Williams, a founder MYO player and then variously the MYO's Associate Conductor, Conductor, Music Director and Chairman. Stephen was an inspiration to generations of young Midlands musicians. In recognition of his significant contribution, a Commemoration Concert in aid of the JLMT and featuring MYO Alumni took place on Saturday 26th January 2019 at the The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - see the Reunions page for further details.

Best wishes,

Anthony Bradbury
Former Music Director, MYO

This site was last updated on 22nd December 2022