Applications Open for BBC Young Musician 2024 

Open to musicians aged 18 and under, the application deadline is January 12, 2024

Founded in 1978, the BBC Young Musician competition is held every two years, celebrating the UK’s most promising classical musicians. Past winners have included Sheku-Kanneh Mason, Nicola Benedetti, and VC Artist Jennifer Pike. 

For its 2024 edition, the competition’s audition has changed to increase accessibility and encourage sustainability without affecting musical excellence. The event is now managed and produced by BBC Studios Entertainment and Music in Cardiff.

To be aged 18 or under, entrants must be born on or after September 1, 2005. The competition is now accepting video submissions. A 10-minute video entry will be scored and ranked by expert judges.

Initially, up to 50 candidates will progress to live auditions — two from each of eight geographical areas. From that pool, a further 34 musicians will be selected by the judging panel.

In July 2024, the competition will involve two quarter finals featuring twelve musicians, and a semi-final with six candidates. These performances and the live auditions will comprise five 90-minute programs to be broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer.

For the first time since 2012, the grand final in October 2024 will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer with highlights of the concerto performances. The full concert program will air on BBC Four, iPlayer, BBC Radio 3, and BBC Sounds. 

“I am delighted to have BBC Young Musician making a welcome return to BBC Two next year,” said Suzy Klein, head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV in the press release. “Since 1978 Young Musician has offered a platform to the brightest and best of this country’s young classical performers. 

“This year we’ve changed how easy it is for people to enter, making it the most accessible, sustainable and democratic competition we’ve staged so far,” Klein added. “Shining a light on different geographical regions allows us to showcase the best young classical talent from across the UK and I can’t wait to see the results.”

The application closing date is January 12, 2024, at 23:59 GMT. Digital audition judging will occur in January and February and live auditions will take place in April 2024. 

To apply, click here.