Young Concert Artists Trust
The Young Concert Artists' Trust (YCAT) is a trust which holds competitions for young classical musicians in the United Kingdom and supports them by giving them opportunities for public performances. Concerts include the YCAT Wigmore Lunchtime Series and concert series at the South Bank Purcell Room and the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
YCAT was founded in 1984 by Michael Kaye (following discussions between concert pianist Jack Gibbons and W.H. Smith chairman Sir Simon Hornby). Its aim was to help young performers bridge the gap between winning competitions and establishing their careers as performers. Auditions are held each year with two selections rounds and a final audition before a public audience.
The YCAT is supported by several trusts and foundations, the YCAT friends scheme and occasional sponsors.
The year 2010 saw a record number of applicants for the YCAT auditions. In the same year YCAT celebrate their 25th anniversary with two gala concerts at the Wigmore Hall which bring together former YCAT award winners as well as contemporary 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.
External links
simple:Young Concert Artists Trust