In honour of 40 years of nurturing extraordinary musicians and bringing them to international attention, the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) is announcing a celebratory European tour in February 2025. The tour unites an exceptional roster of YCAT alumni and current artists for performances of large-scale chamber works across some of Europe’s most prestigious venues.

The programme will feature Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Nonet, Op.2 and Schubert's Octet in F Major, D.803, with each concert opening with a new composition by YCAT’s inaugural Composer Fellow, James B. Wilson. The special anniversary series will also include a highlight performance by acclaimed tenor and former YCAT Artist, Ian Bostridge CBE, who will sing Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin on Friday, 7 February at Schloss Elmau in Bavaria.

The journey offers the perfect opportunity to show how vital YCAT's support has become for the next generation of international soloists and ensembles, across Europe, and to entice audiences to engage with the many ways YCAT continues to propel the artists of tomorrow to have fulfilling and inspiring performing careers.

European Tour Dates & Venues

The tour will commence with two performances across a weekend at Schloss Elmau, before moving on through Germany, London and Amsterdam. 

Tour Dates:

• 7 & 8 February 2025 – Schloss Elmau, Bavaria

• 9 February 2025 – Tauberphilharmonie, Weikersheim

• 10 February 2025 – Philharmonie, Köln

• 12 February 2025 – Wigmore Hall, London

• 14 February 2025 – Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

• 15 February 2025 – Boulez Saal, Berlin

Featured Artists

The tour will bring together a stellar ensemble of YCAT alumni and current artists, including:

• Ian Bostridge CBE – Tenor (YCAT Artist 1992-94, appearing at Schloss Elmau only)

• Armand Djikoloum – Oboe (Current YCAT Artist)

• Jonathan Leibovitz – Clarinet (Current YCAT Artist)

• Amy Harman – Bassoon (YCAT Artist 2014-19)

• Ben Goldscheider – Horn (YCAT Artist 2019-21)

• James Baillieu – Piano (YCAT Artist 2010-14)

• Sini Simonen – Violin (YCAT Artist 2016-20, Castalian String Quartet)

• Hana Chang – Violin (Current YCAT Artist)

• Timothy Ridout – Viola (YCAT Artist 2016-20)

• Maciej Kułakowski – Cello (Current YCAT Artist)

• Dominic Seldis – Double Bass (YCAT Artist 1994-96)

• James B. Wilson – Composer (YCAT Composer Fellow)

Venue Highlights

Schloss Elmau, Bavaria:

The tour kicks off at Schloss Elmau, the Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in the heart of Bavaria offering unique cultural experiences, deep musical and artistic history and many retreats of different sorts. The property, which has hosted two G7 summits, welcomes acclaimed musicians from around the world who perform in the intimate concert hall. The weekend features a special concert with Ian Bostridge (tenor) and James Baillieu (piano) performing Schuberts Die schöne Müllerin on Friday, 7 February.

Wigmore Hall, London:

One of the tour’s most anticipated performances will be held at London’s Wigmore Hall. Open to the public, this concert will include a pre- and post-concert reception for invited guests, providing an opportunity to celebrate YCAT’s legacy and commitment to classical music’s future.

Experience Schloss Elmau

For those attending the Schloss Elmau concerts, the hotel offers exclusive accommodation options for the duration of the tour dates, with double rooms available from €345 per person per night, and single rooms starting at €380. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including all concerts, yoga, sports programs, six spa facilities, breakfast and admission to other cultural events.

For further details on accommodation and events at Schloss Elmau visit schloss-elmau.de/en or send an email to [email protected]

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As YCAT marks this major milestone, audiences are invited to join in the celebration and enjoy a showcase of musical excellence that looks to the future.

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For Press Enquiries, please contact [email protected]

Photos ©SchlossElmau

James B. Wilson's new work, Microcosm, was commissioned by YCAT with support from the Cosman Keller Art & Music Trust, and the Royal Philharmonic Society in memory of Colin Clark.

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