The York International Young Artists Competition is delighted to announce that applications are invited for next year’s competition.
This prestigious longstanding competition which has launched the careers of many young early music ensembles will take place between 8 – 11 July at the National Centre for Early Music in York, UK as part of York Early Music Festival 2026.
The shortlisted ensembles will spend three days in York during the York Early Music Festival meeting music professionals, industry experts and audience members.
The final takes place on Saturday 11 July, with a day of performances at the National Centre for Early Music’s home, St Margaret’s Church. The event will be livestreamed on the NCEM’s YouTube channel and recorded by BBC Radio 3.
The generous first prize includes a recording contract from Linn Records; a £1,000 prize; and a paid concert at the 2027 York Early Music Festival.
Other prizes on offer: the Friends of York Early Music Festival Prize; the Cambridge Early Music Prize; and a prize for The Most Promising Young Artist/s, endowed by the EUBO Development Trust.
The competition is open to:
- Early Music ensembles with a minimum of three members.
- Ensembles must have an average age of 35 years or under, with a maximum age of 36 years for individuals.
The ensembles must demonstrate historically informed performance practice and play repertory from the period, spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century, on period instruments.
The competition is recognised as a major international platform for emerging talent in the world of early music. Attracting musicians from all over the globe, it offers a major boost to young professional careers with opportunities for performance, recording and broadcasting, plus international exposure.
Applications open on 8 September and close at midnight on Mon 8 December.
The panel of international judges, led by Master of Ceremonies, harpsichordist and fortepianist Steven Devine features a line-up of international artists and music professionals: Paul Agnew (British tenor, conductor and Co-Director of Les Arts Florissants); Anna Danilevskaia (fiddle and renaissance viol player and director of Sollazzo Ensemble, competition winners in 2015); Veerle Declerck (Artistic Co-ordinator at Concertgebouw Brugge and former REMA President); Kati Debretzeni (violinist and one of the leaders of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment); and Philip Hobbs, (Producer, Linn Records).
Dr Delma Tomlin MBE, Director of the Festival and founder of the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), said:
“Taking place every two years, the York International Young Artists Competition always provides a flourishing finale to our festival. The competition brings together ensembles from all over the world who use this unique opportunity to launch their careers. Finalists can not only take advantage of the expertise and knowledge of our panel of internationally acclaimed judges, but can also enjoy spending exploring our beautiful city. We look forward to enjoying some amazing music next July.”
2024 winners Ayres Extemporae, who recently appeared in concert at the York Early Music Festival 2025 said:
“Taking part in the competition was a wonderful experience for us, and we were so thrilled to win the main prize, which has helped us so much on our musical journey. We learnt so much from our time in York and we were delighted to return last July perform at the NCEM, record our CD with Linn Records and explore this historic city.”
The group have enjoyed great success over the past year, appearing at the MA Festival Brugge, À Corda Cello Festival Coimbra, and they will shortly return to the UK for the Brighton Early Music Festival (October 2025).
2022 winners Protean Quartet, who appeared in the York Early Music Festival 2023 added:
“We were delighted and honoured to win the main prize in 2022. Taking part in the competition was an amazing experience. It was wonderful performing at the NCEM’s home, the beautiful St Margaret’s Church and meeting the other ensemble who were taking part. The prize provides a real boost to our confidence, profile and careers.”
Details of how to apply:www.yorkcomp.ncem.co.uk or email yorkcomp@ncem.co.uk
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 23.59 GMT, MONDAY 8 DECEMBER 2025
