Auditions Expand Auditions Overview The audition process consists of three rounds: a preliminary video submission round, a live semi-final round, and a live final round. All applicants must apply through the Muvac audition platform. Preliminary Audition 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 audio instead of video recording? No How can I be sure that my application has been received? All applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submitting their application Every application is reviewed by multiple indipendent jury members Please note: it will not be possible to view the analytics for videos that have been uploaded to Muvac. Video views within Muvac will not count towards the view count on your chosen platform. Semi-Final Audition 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 your preferred semi final location, and advise of any times that you may be unavailable. Please note that while we endeavour to meet these requests, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone. Final Audition 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 live semi final auditions and subsequent interviews, and the Live Final at Wigmore Hall, London.
Dates and other information Expand When is the deadline for the 2024 Auditions? The closing date for applications will be 11:59pm on Friday, 1st March 2024. Please sign up to our newsletter to be notified when applications open. What dates do I need to be available for? Candidates must be available for the following dates: Semi-final auditions in Frankfurt (8th April 2024) or in London (11th April 2024). Selected candidates will then need to be available on the morning following their audition for a short in person interview. The live finals on the 16th May at Wigmore Hall in London. Winners may then be required on the day following the live final auditions (17th May), though this is not obligatory. For a full timeline and locations, see Audition Information. 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. NB your application is only fully complete once payment and a confirmation email has been received. Are there age limits for YCAT applicants? Yes - please click here for further information. When will I hear back about my application? All applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submitting their application. We will notify all applicants of their result (both successful and unsuccessful) by 15th March 2024.
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. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about completing your application as a duo.
References Expand Where should my references be sent? All references should be uploaded by the applicant, directly to the Muvac platform Please note, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact their referee to supply a reference before the application deadline Applicants will be asked to specify which of the references would be willing to verify the validity of their video recordings, should this be required by YCAT
Visas Expand If you are not currently resident or studying in the UK, you must have the right to undertake regular paid performance work in the UK without the need for individual work visas/permits, and be eligible to visit and undertake performances in the UK via the Permitted Paid Engagements route. We regret that anyone currently holding a 'visa national' passport (and not currently holding a valid UK student visa) is ineligible to apply for YCAT. Please refer to this current list of UK government recognised visa national countries: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list If you are currently studying in the UK on a Student Visa, you can apply for YCAT, but must be able to guarantee that any paid work as result of YCAT does not contravene the visa obligations and requirements with the issuing institution. For those students in their final year of study (i.e. finishing their course of study in summer 2024), you must be applying for either the 2 year UK Graduate Route in 2024 in order to remain in UK (https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/after-your-studies/post-study-work), or have confirmation of the UK Global Talent visa for the following five years (https://www.gov.uk/global-talent).