Three brilliant conductors to join the 9-15 choirs team

The National Youth Choir (9-15 Years) will welcome three conductors to the team this spring.

Mariana Rosas, Matthew Roughley and Patrick Barrett will lead their first residential courses for our youngest singers over the Easter holidays. 

They join our new Principal Conductor for the younger age group, Lynsey Callaghan, to form an inspiring new team that will lead the 9-15 choirs in music-making through courses, concerts and recordings.  

National Youth Choir Creative Director, Lucy Hollins said: “I am absolutely delighted that Mariana, Matthew and Patrick are joining the National Youth Choir team. They will work alongside Principal Conductor Lynsey Callaghan to create inspiring and life-changing musical experiences at the highest level for our youngest singers.  

Each of our conductors brings with them a wealth of experience and knowledge as musicians and educators. Together they make a formidable team, and I am very much looking forward to working with them to create exciting new opportunities for the young people in National Youth Choir (9-15 Years).”  

Patrick Barrett is a conductor specialising in choral music and opera. He is currently Chorus Director of the RSNO Youth Choruses, the Royal Opera House Youth Opera Company, the Irish Youth Choir (14-17 years), and the Farnham Youth Choirs. 

Mariana Rosas is an Argentinian conductor based in the UK and Chorus Director of the London Symphony Chorus. As well as working with National Youth Choirs since 2021, Mariana has worked with numerous world-renowned institutions, including the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and Royal College of Music.  

Matthew Roughley is a Manchester-based choral conductor with a passion for youth music, education, and creating inspiring singing experiences for young people. He is an Associate Artist with The Hallé and is the principal conductor of the Hallé Youth Training Choir. Matthew founded Sale Youth Choirs, a welcoming and inclusive space where all young people who love to sing can thrive. 

The combined forces of National Youth Choir’s three 9-15 ensembles will next perform at Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday 19 April.