Applications open for 2022 YCAT auditions

Applications for the annual Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) auditions are now open. Musicians chosen for the scheme will receive management, performance opportunities, marketing and branding.

Founded in 1984, the YCAT supports musicians in the early stages of their careers, through the transition from education to professional life. Famed tenor Ian Bostridge CBE was a 1992 YCAT Artist. He said: ‘If it hadn’t been for YCAT, I’d probably still be dithering about whether to become a singer’

Viola player and BBC New Generation Artist Timothy Ridout, was a YCAT artist from 2016 to 2020. He described his experience: ‘YCAT provided me with the best guidance that I could possibly have had over the crucial years whilst I was finishing studies and starting to make my way into the world as a musician! I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities, support and advice that I was given over my 4 years as a YCAT Artist!’

The competition is open to piano soloists, chamber players and accompanists as well as singers, players of strings, woodwind, brass and percussion and ensembles of 3 to 6 performers. Successful applicants will get the chance to audition live in April’s semi-finals in Berlin and London and, if successful, will compete in YCAT’s public final auditions in May at London’s Wigmore Hall.

Chosen finalists will receive a diary of worldwide engagements (organised jointly with Concert Artists Guild in North America) and recordings of their recitals at Wigmore Hall. YCAT Artists will also receive 3-5 years of holistic management as well as marketing, both on social media, and via publicity materials and professional photo shoots

Applicants must submit their applications and video submissions on the YCAT website by 9 March 2022 (12.00pm).