Violinist Nathan Amaral will become the new YCAT - Music Masters Robey Artist for 2025-27, continuing a partnership that celebrates artistic excellence and champions inclusion in classical music.

The Robey Artist role, created in partnership between Music Masters and YCAT, offers a unique platform for an emerging artist from a background currently underrepresented in classical music. Over the course of their tenure, the artist takes on an ambassadorial role with Music Masters, working closely with young learners through performances, creative workshops and mentoring opportunities.

As the latest musician to take up the role, Nathan will collaborate with pupils on Music Masters’ Schools Programme and Pathways Programme, supporting children at the earliest stages of their musical journeys. His work will include side-by-side performance projects, school visits and creative sessions that place young people at the heart of the music-making process.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Nathan himself discovered the violin through a community music project - an experience that shaped his life and career. Having witnessed firsthand how early exposure to music can open doors, Nathan brings a deep understanding of the impact such opportunities can have, and a personal commitment to giving back through his work with Music Masters, alongside his own festival – Week of Musical Integration – which he founded to support and teach young musicians from difficult backgrounds in Brazil.

The Robey Artist initiative highlights the transformative power of connecting professional artists and children at formative stages of their education. By working together, both artist and student benefit: children gain inspiration and access to professional role models, while the artist develops new skills in communication, teaching and community engagement that enrich their performance careers.

Nathan follows in the footsteps of previous Robey Artists Randall Goosby (violin), Jordan Bak (viola) and Sterling Elliott (cello), each of whom has helped shape the collaboration into a flagship example of how cross-sector partnerships can nurture artistic and social impact.

We are so grateful to all former Robey Artists who have contributed to the programme so far, and warmly welcome Nathan, already a joint artist with YCAT and our US partner, Concert Artists Guild, as he begins his journey in this important and inspiring role.

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View Nathan's Profile

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Photography © Clara Evens