David Lewis OBE, the visionary founder of the Young Voices arena concerts, has died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 11, 2026. He was 78.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Lewis transformed a bold Welsh experiment into one of the most influential movements in modern music education. The legendary concerts became a yearly milestone for generations of British families, eventually expanding to schools across the globe.
Before his successful career as an event producer, the Cardiff-born sportsman was a first-class cricketer for Glamorgan County Cricket Club. Dan Cherry of Glamorgan Cricket Club said: "We are very sorry that another member of our Championship-winning squad of 1969 has passed away. David was a well-known figure in club cricket across South and West Wales, as well as in the music industry. We send our condolences to his family and his many friends at this sad time."
From Cricket to Choral Pioneer
In the early 1990s, Lewis turned his talents to large-scale choral production, drawing on the traditions of the Welsh male voice choir. His first spectacular World Choir event at Cardiff Arms Park in 1992 brought together 10,000 voices to sing alongside Sir Tom Jones. A second massive concert followed a year later, featuring Dame Shirley Bassey and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
He then took his choral format international, organising historic concerts in South Africa and even for the Pope in St Peter's Square.
The Birth of Young Voices
Responding to demand from primary schools, Lewis adapted this grand model for children and launched Young Voices in 1996. More than 3 million children have now taken part in these magical concerts, performing to audiences of over 4.4 million people.
During his busy career, he also acted as a trusted advisor to his close friend Donald Woods, the renowned anti-apartheid campaigner.
A Family Legacy
Though he stepped back from running the organisation in 2012, it remains a proud family-run business led by his son, Ben Lewis. "For thirty years, David’s vision shaped the very essence of Young Voices. He believed that the greatest gift was 'putting a love of music in a child’s heart' and that the best way to do that was by providing them with a mind-blowing musical experience," Ben said. "That belief became a movement, and through it, more than 3 million children have been part of these life changing events. Nothing made David happier than hearing the stories from children, teachers and families about their YV experience and the impact it had on them."
Charity and Recognition
His concerts raised millions for charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Save the Children. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and was appointed an OBE for his services to music in 2025.
Away from the stage, Lewis was a passionate fly fisherman, talented amateur photographer and published author. He is survived by his wife Penny, three children, and five grandchildren. Donations in his memory can be made to the Young Voices Foundation to ensure his musical legacy continues.
