Julius Baer, the world's largest pure-play private banking group, is to be the first corporate sponsor of National Youth Choirs Great Britain (NYCGB).

Originally set up as a single choir of 100 of the best young singers in Britain, NYCGB now consists of eight choirs for over 750 young people aged 9 to 25 which provide the widest of musical experiences.

The sponsorship was marked with a lunchtime concert by the NYCGB Chamber Choir on the pavement at 1 St. Martin's Le Grand, London EC1 on Tuesday, 24th June, at 12.30pm.

The NYCGB Chamber Choir is for young professionals and those studying to become professional singers up to age 25. They performed a short recital of music by Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan – Pirates of Penzance), Herbert Howells (who wrote the Magnificat) and the Beatles' Lennon/McCartney (When I’m Sixty Four).

The partnership, says the company, reflects Julius Baer's commitment to support and develop young talent in a range of areas. Julius Baer will help NYCGB implement its bursary programme that fosters the careers of 110 young choristers from a range of backgrounds.

Adam Horowitz, Chief Executive of Julius Baer International UK, said: "We're proud to support the National Youth Choirs Great Britain and the vital role it plays in developing inspirational young talent.

"National Youth Choirs Great Britain is an outstanding organisation that has demonstrated great success in guiding promising young musicians to achieve their ambitions. Their philosophy complements Julius Baer's own values".

Nina Camilleri, Director of Strategy and Development of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, added: "Julius Baer has built a strong reputation for supporting young talent. We greatly look forward to our work together and benefitting from their broad experience in this area".