NYBBGB Young Conductor 2026
Tommy Tynan (28) has been crowned NYBBGB Young Conductor 2026 following The NYBBGB Young Conductors’ Competition Live Final, held on Saturday 17th January 2026 at Tidworth Garrison Theatre.
Tommy impressed the judges with his confident and engaging conducting, leading a joint ensemble of musicians from The NYBBGB and British Army Music in front of a live audience.
Adjudicator Dr Robert Childs praised Tommy’s performance, saying, “It was impressive conducting, a nice mix of creating excellence through endeavour and enthusiasm from the players.”
Tommy competed alongside three other outstanding finalists: Ammal Bhatia (26), Megan Bousfield (25) and Joey Wong (22), who all delivered performances of the highest quality throughout the final. Judge Major Craig Bywater praised the quartet, commenting,
“Each showed passion, flair and technique in fully engaging with the musicians. All were very impressive and offered so much in how they expressed themselves through the music.”
As winner of this prestigious national competition, Tommy receives a £750 cash prize and free membership of the Brass Band Conductors’ Association. He will now take on the role of Assistant Guest Conductor to Lt Col Lauren Petritz-Watts during The NYBBGB Summer Course. He will also conduct at the Band’s Summer Concert at The Forum, Bath on 8th August.
The NYBBGB has extended its warmest congratulations to Tommy, and to Ammal, Megan and Joey for their significant achievements in this highly competitive, biannual event. A spokesperson for the organisation added, “Our sincere thanks go to British Army Music for their generous support, from providing an excellent venue and musicians on stage, to their invaluable behind-the-scenes support, and to the 25 members of The NYBBGB Youth Band who gave up their time and played so brilliantly throughout the competition.”
