Young Concert Artists Trust
Young Classical Artists' Trust (YCAT) is a charity which identifies, supports, nurtures and promotes outstanding young classical musicians based in the United Kingdom.
Set up in 1984, YCAT provides a unique stepping stone for exceptional young artists who have the potential for international performing careers. Introducing these artists both in the UK and abroad, YCAT brings high quality classical performances to as wide a public as possible. YCAT is totally reliant upon the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, and currently receives no public subsidy.
YCAT provides its young artists with a secure management base. By offering advice, instruction and guidance, they educate the artists in strategic and long term planning, both musically and professionally. YCAT aims to hands the artists on to suitable commercial management within a three-to-five-year period.
To present the artists to as wide a public as possible, YCAT promotes a number of high-profile annual presentation concerts at such venues as Wigmore Hall and Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
YCAT holds annual auditions to identify exciting new talent who could benefit from the charity's work. This rigorous selection procedure culminates in a Public Final at Wigmore Hall in May.
In addition to its services to young musicians at the beginning of their professional careers, YCAT has, since 1994, in a unique arrangement with the BBC, been advising the finalists of the BBC Young Musician Competition. Several of these musicians have gone on to audition to become YCAT artists
YCAT alumni include the Belcea Quartet, Leopold String Trio, the violist Philip Dukes, cellist Li-Wei Qin, double bassist Dominic Seldis and violinists So-Ock Kim, Laurent Korcia and Thomas Gould.[1]
References
- ↑ ”The family way – YCAT at 25” in The Strad April 2010 p.28-31