Disheartening announcement: Northern Ireland's National Youth Choir facing closure due to complete loss of funding
The National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI), a cherished institution that has served thousands of young singers for over two decades, is set to close its doors following a decision by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) not to renew its annual funding of approximately £60,000 for the 2025-26 period.
The choir, previously known as the Ulster Youth Choir, has been a beacon of artistic excellence for young musicians aged 8 to 24. It runs five choirs, some of which are residential, and its annual programme works with thousands of young singers each year.
The loss of this key funding has made the choir's continued operation financially unviable, particularly given the pre-existing financial challenges it faced, including a large drop in unrestricted reserves due to additional unplanned expenditure related to staffing and legal costs. Despite a plan to rebuild reserves, the choir was heavily dependent on ACNI funding, and without it, the trustees decided to close the organization.
The decision has sparked outrage and dismay within the community, with many describing it as "cultural vandalism" and a "step backwards for arts and culture in the region." An open letter, signed by high-profile musicians including Anna Lapwood, Rachel Portman, and The King's Singers, has been circulated, calling on the Arts Council to reverse the decision and ensure the survival of the NYCNI. The letter describes the choir as a "vital pathway for young people" and the decision to defund it as "culturally and socially damaging."
Alumna Rosie Cameron expressed her annoyance about the news, crediting the choir for her love of choral music. A parent posted on social media that the standard of the choir is impressive and challenged those with power to reconsider the funding decision.
The Arts Council has stated that the decision not to fund NYCNI this year was not based on funding pressures but on the organization's inability to meet the program's criteria. They provided detailed feedback on the organization's application and met with them to discuss their immediate plans and future funding opportunities.
As the choir prepares for its final courses this summer, the future of its alumni member base remains uncertain. The loss of the NYCNI will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the lives of thousands of young people who have been touched by its music and nurtured by its community.
- The loss of the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) will be detrimental to the education-and-self-development of many young musicians, as it serves as a vital pathway for music education and personal growth.
- The choir's closure will also impact the entertainment landscape, as it provides numerous opportunities for these young singers to showcase their talent and contribute to the music industry.
