Dates and other information Expand When is the deadline for the 2022 Auditions? 9 March 2022 at 13:00 (GMT) How much does it cost to apply for YCAT? There is an administrative fee of £50, inclusive of VAT. You will be directed to pay this at the end of the application form. Are there age limits for YCAT applicants? Yes - please click here for further information. When will I hear back about my application? We will let you know the result of your applications shortly after the deadline (c. 2 weeks). All applicants will be notified.
Final Audition Expand I am not available for the entire period of semi finals and finals; can I still apply? No, we require all finalists to be available for one of the days of semi finals, one of the days of interviews, and the 19 May Final at Wigmore Hall, London. We will try to accommodate where possible but unfortunately this is not guaranteed.
Instrumental Categories Expand I specialise in period performance, can I apply? We have had a couple of period ensembles apply in the past and, so long as you are entirely mobile and able to easily bring all your required instruments with you, then this is fine. As a soloist, unfortunately we do not have access to harpsichords or fortepiano in our audition venues. If you feel your application is still strong enough and that you would be able to provide your own continuo backing, then you are welcome to apply. Can I apply as a duo? YCAT does not accept applications from regular piano/instrumental duos e.g. violin & piano; these applicants should apply as individuals in the soloist category YCAT does accept mixed duo applicants providing that they can satisfy the entry requirements (including prior experience and repertoire) Piano duos must submit repertoire for four hands one piano (YCAT cannot provide two pianos at audition) Ensemble applicants may have 2-6 members.
Preliminary Audition Expand Does my video have to be recorded from a concert? No, by ‘live performance’ we simply mean that the recording is unedited and was recorded in a single take. Can I use an audio instead of video recording? No
References Expand Where should my references be sent? All references should be sent under separate cover to [email protected] Please note, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact their referee to supply a reference before the application deadline (Wednesday 9th March 2022 at 13:00, GMT).
Semi-Final Audition Expand I am only available for one of the semi-final audition days; can I still apply? Yes. There is a field within the application form where you can specify dates when you are not available to audition. Please note that while we endeavour to meet these requests, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone.
Visas Expand What are the visa requirements for YCAT applications? You must have the right to undertake regular paid performance work in the UK without the need for individual work visas/permits. As of 1st January 2021, EU artists (excepting the Republic of Ireland) are now subject to the same requirements as other international artists with regards to performing and visiting the UK via the Permitted Paid Engagements route. This includes all artists who may visit the UK without the need for supplementary visa approval (please see the list of visa national countries who currently need such approval and therefore are ineligible to apply for YCAT: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list) Those currently studying in the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 visa) can only apply for YCAT in their final year of study (i.e. finishing their course of study in summer 2022). If you are planning on applying for the new 2 year UK Graduate Route in 2022 in order to remain in UK, you are also eligible to apply, so long as you fulfil the nationality requirements above. (https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/after-your-studies/post-study-work) Can YCAT help with letters of invitation? Yes, if letters of invitation are required for semi-final auditions, YCAT will provide this. Please email [email protected] NB this only applies to those who fulfil the above requirements for UK Permitted Paid Engagements.