Regan O’Mahony, director of Enfield-based YTA Performing Arts, looks back on a successful year

Young Notes Choir outside the Houses of Parliament

With Young Notes Choir, the North London-based youth ensemble from YTA Performing Arts, we are using voices to create change – both in their community and on national stages.

Our talented group recently performed outside the Houses of Parliament as part of Women’s Aid’s ‘Hear Them or Grieve Them’ campaign – a powerful national movement calling for stronger action to protect women and children affected by domestic abuse.

The performance, which featured a striking arrangement by Mark De Lisser and taught to the choir by Zola Joseph, brought an emotional and thought-provoking dimension to the event, which was covered by national television.

We were so proud to support such an important project. It was a privilege to stand alongside Women’s Aid in raising awareness and to use our platform to support a campaign driving social change and standing up for women and children.

Just weeks later, Young Notes had another reason to celebrate, being crowned overall winners of the Breakout Youth Talent All Stars Contest. Based in Edmonton, Breakout is a long-standing youth talent competition that has showcased some of North London’s brightest emerging performers over the past decade.

Young Notes first won the contest back in 2019, and our return this year for the ‘all stars’ tenth anniversary event – which brought together previous champions from the past ten years – saw the choir again take home the top title as overall winners.

This success adds to an impressive list of achievements during 2025. Earlier this year, Young Notes collaborated with Nimino Music on the house track Better, which is currently charting across streaming platforms. The choir also took part in the Royal British Legion’s national VE Day project, honouring veterans through music, and were proud national finalists in the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition.

YTA Performing Arts runs several choirs, with groups ranging in age from four years to adult. Young Notes rehearse every Monday evening at Studio YTA in Chase Side, Enfield, where singers of all abilities come together to learn, grow and perform in a supportive and inspiring environment.

From Parliament Square to packed performance venues, Young Notes continue to show what’s possible when young people are given a platform to express themselves! Their voices are not only making music – they’re making a difference.

For more information about YTA Young Talent Academy:
Call 07961782864
Email [email protected]
Visit youngtalentacademy.co.uk

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