Young Classical Artists Trust  
2021 Auditions 
 
 
Preparing your Application Form 
To apply for YCAT, you must fill out the online application form and pay the application fee. 
All applications will be evaluated in the preliminary, semi-final, and final auditions by 
qualified jury panels. 

For further information concerning eligibility, audition timeline and selection process, please 
visit our website. 
 
The application consists of the following sections: 
 
1. Information about you and your musical background (biography and repertoire 
list) 
 
2. Personal Statement - short answers to the following questions (150 words 
maximum per question): 
● Why do you think YCAT is right for you at this time? 
● What do you feel you need help with over the next few years? 
● Describe how you have adapted your musical activity given the impact of 
COVID-19 over the last year and how it may have changed your career outlook? 
● In what ways do you hope to use your music to make an impact outside the 
concert hall? 
 
3. Sample programmes 
● Three sample recital programmes (two full-length 90-minute recitals, one 
hour-long programme) that demonstrate your musical personality, awareness of 
different audiences and concert formats (live or digital). Please give consideration 
to composers from underrepresented demographics. 
● A brief description of each programme. 
● Please note, this d ​ oes not​ form a part of your audition repertoire​. ​However, you 
are able to perform repertoire listed in this section in any audition round if you 
wish. 
 
 
 
 4. Audition Repertoire 
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  
● A link to a live, unedited audition video/s of 30-40 minutes of music ideally 
recorded 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-19 
restrictions (in addition to the 30-40 minutes). 
● A link to a 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 of which must be English.  
 
 
Semi-Final Audition (live performance) 
Repertoire from the preliminary audition may be repeated in the semi-final audition. 
You will choose your opening work, and then the panel will choose the following 
piece(s).  
 
You may be asked to introduce some of this repertoire as you would in various 
concert settings. 
 
● Submission of 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.  
 
Final Audition (Public performance) 
Repertoire from the semi-final audition may be repeated in the final audition. This 
programme will be discussed at the interview following selection of finalists. 
● Prepare 30 minute of repertoire to be performed in a live performance at 
Wigmore Hall, London 
 
5. Availability  
Confirmation of your availability for the semi-final auditions, finalist interviews and 
final audition period (15 - 22 May 2021, London). Whilst we cannot guarantee a 
particular time or day we endeavour to accommodate where possible. 
 
 For further information concerning dates, please visit the ‘Timeline and selection 
process’ section under ‘Audition Information’ on our website. 
 
6. References 
● Name and email address of t​ wo​ referees who can supply references. 
● These must be sent to a ​ uditions@ycat.co.uk​ directly from each referee before 
the application window closes on Thursday 25 March 2021 at 5pm. 
● Please note, it is the a
​ pplicant’s responsibility​ to contact their referee to 
supply a reference before the application deadline. 
 
7. Other Details 
● Have you previously auditioned for YCAT or Concert Artists Guild (US)? 
● How did you hear about YCAT? 
 
8. Payment 
● In order to submit your application, you must pay the application fee of £60 
(inc. VAT).