Young Classical Music Artists Agency and Promoter

Young Concert Artists Trust was set up in 1984 to identify, nurture and promote outstanding young classical soloists and chamber ensembles at the outset of their professional careers. The original model was based on the Young Concert Artists organisation in New York.

Auditions are held each year. The categories vary and application forms for the next audition process will be available online from October from our Classical Artists Auditions page. The 2009 Public Final Auditions were held at Wigmore Hall on Friday, May 15th at 3.00pm and 7.00pm. The first two rounds were held in February and March/April respectively.

The support YCAT offers the selected artists is two fold:

In its role as an artists‘ management and development organisation YCAT liaises with promoters in the UK and abroad and ’brokers' performance opportunities and engagements for its musicians.

As a promoter YCAT presents concerts to ‘showcase’ the artists it represents. In 2009/2010 season, these will include:

• Presentation Concerts in London and Manchester;

• YCAT Wigmore Lunchtime Series 18 (6 concerts)

After three years of representation YCAT aims to introduce the artists to suitable commercial management to further develop and maintain their international profile.

In addition to its services to young musicians at the beginning of their professional careers, YCAT has, since 1994, in a unique arrangement with the BBC, been advising the five finalists of the BBC Young Musician Competition. Several of these musicians have gone on to audition to become YCAT artists

YCAT is entirely supported by the generosity of Trusts and Foundations, the YCAT Friends Scheme and occasional sponsors. More information about helping YCAT can be found in Support YCAT.

Alasdair Tait
Chief Executive

Susan Hudson
Artists' Manager

Geoff Parkin
Artist Development and Administrative Manager

Trustees:

Sir Brian McMaster CBE Chairman
Valerie Beale
Andrew Comben
Professor Jonathan Freeman-Atwood HonRAM, FKC
Tessa Gaisman MBE
Michael Gwinnell
Sir Christopher Hum KCMG
Sue MacGregor CBE
David Sigall Hon FTCL
Anthony Whitworth-Jones

Philip Langridge 1939-2010

We are very sad to learn of the death of Philip Langridge.

Philip served on the board of YCAT from 2004 onwards. One of his last UK appearance was with the Doric Quartet at his 70th birthday concert at Wigmore Hall in November. We all express our sincere sympathy to his family at this time.

To read Philip Langridge's obituary in the Financial Times click here

Honorary Consultant:
Susan Wadsworth (USA)

YCAT is a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 1783007. Registered in England and Wales as a charity No.326490