The North West Youth Orchestra (NWYO) is a reputable orchestra for young musicians in the North-West Province. The impact of the NWYO is far-reaching and the orchestra is well-known for encouraging and developing musicians and uniting people from different cultures. Since its founding in 1978, the orchestra has been creating music education opportunities for the youth of the North-West province by providing a platform where orchestral skills can be developed in order for the youth to pursue a professional music career. The current conductors are Prof Liesl van der Merwe and Mr André Oosthuizen. The NWYO receives support from Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Our goals include the promotion of musical arts by encouraging excellence in the arts through education and promoting living cultural heritage. The NWYO wants to create and maintain an environment where the arts in the North-West may flourish by investing in the value of music and advancing the cultural and educational development of young people. The NWYO is an inclusive orchestra that welcomes community members of all ages.

For further information about the North West Youth Orchestra at the School of Music, please contact Prof Liesl van der Merwe.