New Musical Director for Orchestra

North Powys Youth Music Trust has announced that Tim Cronin is their new Musical Director for the North Powys Youth Orchestra.

Tim (pictured) was educated at St Joseph’s Port Talbot, Millfield and Oxford. He studied baroque violin with Ingrid Seifert and trained with the European Union Baroque Orchestra. He subsequently toured and recorded with many of the UK’s leading period-instrument orchestras including The Academy of Ancient Music, The Gabrieli Consort & Players, The English Concert, Collegium Musicum 90 and The King’s Consort.

He is Musical Director of South Powys Youth Music, teaches violin, viola and music theory in the Brecon area, organises the annual Brecon Baroque Festival, administrates the Mozart Music Fund (a charity set up in 2006 to support young instrumentalists in South Powys) and plays viola with The Cambrian String Quartet.

Tim lives in Brecon with his partner, the internationally renowned violinist Rachel Podger, and their two daughters. For the past two years he has been co-conducting Powys Youth Orchestra (a joint venture between North and South Powys Youth Orchestras) and so has got to know players in the North very well.

“We are so pleased to welcome Tim Cronin to the North Powys Youth Music Trust team,” said Julie Turner, Trust Administrator. “He brings with him a huge wealth of experience, a strong background of working with young musicians in this area and an immense and infectious enthusiasm for making music. This marks a truly exciting time for North Powys Youth Orchestra and Tim is absolutely key to its development.”

Tim took over as Musical Director in April and will be conducting his first concert on Sunday at 2.30pm in Trefeglwys Community Centre. The concert also features the String Team, Concert Band and a Primary Schools ensemble. Tickets, available on the door, are priced just £4 for adults and £1 for children. Refreshments include strawberries, cream and home baked scones.

The Orchestra forms part of North Powys Youth Music Trust which organises weekly rehearsals in Welshpool High School for around 120 young people. North Powys Youth Band, Training Band, Brass Blowers, String Team and Concert Band complete the Trust’s ensembles. For more information on the Trust and its activities please contact their Administrator Julie Turner on 01686 610554, or visit the Trust’s website www.northpowysyouthmusic.co.uk