Eligibility Expand Instrumental Categories YCAT auditions are open to the following instruments: Strings Woodwind, Brass & Percussion Voice Solo Piano / Keyboard Collaborative Piano (chamber/accompaniment) Ensemble (3-6 members; groups comprising singers and instrumentalists are eligible) Age Limit As of 19 May 2022, you must be: Instrumentalists - aged 28 or under Singers - aged 30 or under Ensembles - average age of 30 or under Management If you have local or international commercial management at the time of application you are not eligible to apply. Education You have completed (or are enrolled in) a recognised course of study for your instrument/voice. EU National/Non-EU National 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) Still not sure? See Audition FAQs
Other information Expand Audition fee of £50 (inc. VAT) Applicants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Soloists must provide their own pianists, make all rehearsal arrangements, and pay any fees. Still not sure? See Audition FAQs
Repertoire Requirements Expand Selected repertoire at all stages is free choice and should demonstrate a versatile, varied and strong musical character. All applicants can repeat repertoire in each round. Preliminary Audition (Video submission) 10 minutes of live, unedited performance/s 1 minute introductory video about why you are applying to YCAT The video must have been recorded no earlier than 1 September 2020 and does not have to be from a concert performance The video can comprise separate recording but must be edited and submitted as one link (including the introductory video) Still not sure? See Audition FAQs Semi-Final Audition (Live performance) Repertoire from the preliminary round may be repeated in the semifinal and final rounds. At the audition, you will choose your opening work, after which the panel will request excerpts from the submitted programme. You may be asked to verbally introduce some of this repertoire as you would in various concert settings. Those invited to the live auditions will be asked to submit a semi-final repertoire list which adhere to the following time limits: Instrumentalists - 100 minutes Vocalists - 60 minutes (including at least three languages, one of which must be English) Ensembles - 120 minutes (complete works only) Piano Chamber/Accompaniment - 50 minutes of instrumental music and 50 minutes of vocal music. You will be required to bring your own vocal/instrumental duo partners to audition. Those selected for the final audition will be invited to interview with YCAT in April 2022 the day following the semi-final audition. Still not sure? See Audition FAQs Final Audition (Public performance) Prepare 25 minutes of repertoire to be performed in a live performance at Wigmore Hall, London. This programme will be discussed at the interview following selection of finalists. Still not sure? See Audition FAQs
Timeline and selection process Expand 12 January 2022 - Applications open 9 March 2022 - Applications close, 12:00 noon (Applicants will be notified by 25 March whether or not they have been accepted to the semi-finals) 20-21 April 2022 - Live semi-final auditions & finalist interviews held in Berlin 22-23 April 2022 - Live semi-final auditions & finalist interviews held in London 19 May 2022 - Public Final Auditions, Wigmore Hall - London NB the entire process will be led by UK government COVID restrictions and may well be subject to change.