New choir hits right note with young people

A new choir launched by the University of Glasgow could offer exciting opportunities for young people living within GRID.

The University of Glasgow Children’s Choir is a collaboration with the National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP) and is set to draw its numbers from state schools across the city, including the Innovation District, offering young people from lower-income areas access to high-quality music education.

The new initiative reflects the University’s deep commitment to its civic mission - supporting local communities, raising aspirations and improving access to higher education for young people from the most deprived backgrounds. 

Exceptional

At the heart of the new development is the appointment of David Wynn-Evans as the new director of the choir. An accomplished choral scholar and gifted musician, Mr Wynn-Evans will work directly with children in schools across the city, delivering professional-standard vocal tuition and building a choir of exceptional quality.

• David Wynn-Evans is the new director of the choir

Professor Roisín Coll, the academic lead for the initiative based at the University’s School of Education, said: “This is a major step forward for the University and for Glasgow.  

“We are already exploring ways to link the choir with the University’s wider community-focused projects, including The Living Laboratory and Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID), where former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman plays a key leadership role.  

“We are also working in close partnership with Douglas Hutchison, Executive Director of Education at Glasgow City Council, to maximise the educational, cultural and health-related benefits of singing.” 

This initiative embodies our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Glasgow, regardless of their circumstances or background, can develop their talents and abilities to the highest standard. For the University and the city to thrive, we must empower people from across our communities to meet their full potential.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow has always believed that excellence and opportunity must go hand in hand. Through the University of Glasgow Children’s Choir, we hope to provide children across our city with access to exceptional musical education and opportunities.  

“This initiative embodies our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Glasgow, regardless of their circumstances or background, can develop their talents and abilities to the highest standard. For the University and the city to thrive, we must empower people from across our communities to meet their full potential.”  

Douglas Hutchison, Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council said: “Music plays a crucial role in Glasgow schools and enriches the lives of our children, young people, and staff. 

• John Rutter CBE with University Choir

“It’s very exciting to collaborate on the new Glasgow University Children’s Choir and its development will complement our successful CREATE expressive arts programmes in the city as well as the Youth Music Initiative.  

“Glasgow continues to offer free instrumental tuition because we can see the impact that music has on our pupils’ development and the way it nurtures their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.”

World-renowned

The new choir is part of a growing national movement supported by the National Schools Singing Programme and its patron, world-renowned composer Sir John Rutter CBE.  The composer visited the University in 2024 to work with student teachers and young singers from across Scotland. 

“I really enjoyed my visit to the University of Glasgow,” said Sir John Rutter. “I am delighted that Glasgow schools are now joining the National Schools Singing Programme. This is a marvellous development, bringing the gift of music to more children - a gift they will carry with them for life.”