Dates and other information Expand When is the deadline for the 2020 Auditions? YCAT must receive your completed application form, video material, application fee and references by Friday 27 March 2020 at 5pm How much does it cost to apply for YCAT? There is an administrative fee of £60, 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 by the end of Friday 3 April 2020. All applicants will be notified.
Final Audition Expand I am not available on the day of the finals; can I still apply? Unfortunately we require all finalists to perform at our public final round at Wigmore Hall on Friday 29 May 2020 as well as be available to attend a Finalist Interview on Wednesday 29 April 2020.
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? Unfortunately YCAT is not currently accepting applications from duos. Ensemble applicants must have 3-6 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, unfortunately not.
References Expand Where should my references be sent? All references should be sent under separate cover to [email protected]
Semi-Final Audition Expand I am not available on one day of the semi-finals; 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 is not always possible.
Visas Expand What are the visa requirements for YCAT auditionees? You must have the right to undertake regular paid performance work in the UK without the need for individual work permits. Please note this does not currently include Tier 4 student visas as these require all work to be guaranteed and organised through the visa awarding conservatoire. We also need you to have the right to perform for a minimum of 3 years (this means that if your current study visa expires in two years' time and you don’t know about any ongoing visa options, sadly you are not eligible to apply). Can YCAT help in obtaining the correct visa? Unfortunately due to the sheer number of applications, we are unable to help with individual visa applications including providing a letter of invitation.