Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT)

The Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) is dedicated to empowering and championing the next generation of classical musicians. For 40 years our purpose has been to discover, nurture and support exceptional early career professionals, easing their transition from talented students to established performers pursuing successful careers that make a lasting impact in the world of classical music. For a young musician, taking that first step into a performing career has never been more difficult. Artists are faced with ever increasing challenges when pursuing successful careers. Every year, hundreds of aspiring graduating musicians find themselves confronted with stark decisions about the realities of life as a professional performer. Building and sustaining creative and fulfilling career pathways, in which talented young musicians can continue to learn, develop and flourish, has been at the heart of our charitable mission for 40 years. YCAT has been instrumental in the success of over 130 gifted musicians including prominent UK international artists such as Ian Bostridge CBE, Alison Balsom OBE, Joanna MacGregor CBE, and the renowned Belcea, Doric & Heath String Quartets. We've also supported 45 winners and finalists of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition, such as Martin James Bartlett, Jess Gillam, and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Our approach is simple – artist first. For every exceptionally talented artist selected for our 3-5 year programme of support, we develop a sustainable career pathway and strategy, opening the doors to opportunities they need to be seen and heard in an ultra-competitive, international market.