14 June 2025
We are incredibly proud to announce that David Lewis, founder of Young Voices, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to music.
David’s journey began in 1992, inspired by his love of Welsh male voice choirs. That same year, he brought together 10,000 singers for a spectacular performance at Cardiff Arms Park, featuring none other than Sir Tom Jones and Dennis O’Neil. The following year, the World Choir returned – this time alongside Dame Shirley Bassey.
As excitement grew, schools across the UK wrote in, asking to take part in these massed choir events. In 1996, David responded with something new: the very first Young Voices concert in Dublin. Just a year later, in 1997, the programme expanded to Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and London – the beginning of what would become the world’s largest school choir concert series.
Since then, Young Voices has reached millions of children across the globe, giving them the chance to sing in world-class arenas alongside professional artists. Internationally, Young Voices has held concerts in South Africa, the USA, Trinidad & Tobago and Germany. The upcoming 30th Anniversary tour in 2026 will include over 210,000 children, with concerts taking place in Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, and London’s The O2 and Wembley Arena.
In 2016, Young Voices was awarded the prestigious ‘Key to The O2’, after surpassing Prince’s 21-night run at the venue. As of 2025, YV has hosted 89 shows at The O2 – more than any other artist.
In 2022, David was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Music & Drama Education Awards, celebrating his remarkable contribution to music and education.
Now, this OBE stands as a fitting tribute to a lifelong mission: using the power of music to inspire confidence, creativity and community in young people.
A huge congratulations to David from the entire Young Voices family.
