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 20 May 2021, 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, commercial or international management in Europe or North America at the time of application you are not eligible to apply. Education You have completed (or are in the process of completing) 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. Since 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. 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 (ie. finishing their course of study in summer 2021). If you are planning on applying for the new 2 year UK Graduate Route in 2021 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 £60 (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) 30-40 minutes of repertoire from a live, unedited video/s recording, ideally using a single position camera (this does not have to be from a concert performance). You may also submit any creative digital projects undertaken during Covid restrictions (in addition to the 30-40 minutes) 3 minute introductory video about why you are applying to YCAT The video/s must have been recorded no earlier than 1 September 2019. The video/s must include only complete movements or complete works (no excerpts). Concerti with piano accompaniment may be included, unless you are applying as a solo pianist. Solo singers and vocal ensembles must include a balance between song and aria in at least three languages, one which must be English. It is acceptable to provide separate links or different recordings that combine to last 30-40 minutes 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. You will choose your opening work, and then the panel will choose the following piece(s). You may be asked to verbally introduce some of this repertoire as you would in various concert settings. Please submit repertoire which adheres 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 - 120 minutes of both instrumental and vocal music (the relative split is your decision but should reflect a varied, and balanced programme). 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 May 2021 in London. Still not sure? See Audition FAQs Final Audition (Public performance) Prepare 30 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. String Quartets also will be asked to perform a specially composed 5-minute commission. This work will be made available to selected ensembles by mid-April. Still not sure? See Audition FAQs
Timeline and selection process Expand Friday 15 January 2021 - Applications open Thursday 25 March 2021 - Applications close at 5 pm Friday 9 April 2021 - Applicants notified by email whether or not they have been accepted to the semi-finals 15-16 May 2021 - Live semi-final auditions, London 17-18 May 2021 - Finalist interviews, London Thursday 20 May 2021 - Final audition, Wigmore Hall - London NB the entire process will be led by UK government COVID restrictions and may well be subject to change.