YCAT Artists

Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2017 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

My journey with YCAT has been wonderful...Every time that I needed advice, I could call them and I was always impressed by their incredible quality of listening. I find very precious how well they understand that each artist with whom they work is different, and therefore how open-minded and creative they are in their guidance.

Quatuor Agate

String Quartet & YCAT Artist, 2017 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

Being part of YCAT has truly been life-changing for us. Their artistic vision, support, and guidance have shaped our journey as a quartet, and we genuinely wouldn’t be where we are today without them. From the very beginning, they listened with such care and placed so much trust in us - something that has been invaluable in building our confidence as young artists. YCAT offers the most inspiring way to launch a performing career across Europe and beyond, while always making us feel supported with incredible warmth. 

YCAT is our artistic family for ever!

James Baillieu

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2010 (Photo © David Ruano)

I will be forever grateful to YCAT for empowering me and guiding me on the career path that I have today. When I think back over the last 10 years or so, it is astonishing how opportunities have presented themselves to me and how lucky I am to enjoy the career I have today. This would not have been possible without YCAT’s support, empowerment, and mentorship and the luxury of having a team that really took time to understand me as an artist and human being, and to help me find my space in the music world.

A naive pianist from South Africa, I needed that time and space to understand what I wanted to say as an artist and how to fulfil my career ambitions. Through being selected for representation by YCAT I was supported by a family of mentors who took the time to guide, inspire and challenge me and I'm so proud of what we managed to build together. Happy 40th anniversary YCAT, in today's very complex and unsettled landscape, your work is more vital than ever! 

Jordan Bak

Violist & YCAT Music Masters Robey Artist, 2021 (Photo © Titilayo Ayangade)

YCAT has given me such incredible support in building my international performance career, introducing me to new countries, new connections, and new audiences with whom sharing great music merely existed as a dream for me. Realizing my own artistic potential, giving me amazing performance debuts such as Wigmore Hall, and serving as an Artist and now Ambassador of Music Masters UK are all examples of how YCAT has worked to develop and transform my career and artistic abilities. An exciting journey ahead awaits the next generation of some of the finest soloists, chamber musicians and more through YCAT's support!

Alison Balsom, OBE

Trumpeter & YCAT Artist, 2001 (Photo © Lizzie Patterson)

I'm truly honoured to have been part of the YCAT scheme at the start of my career. I'm so proud of this, and frankly indebted to the organisation for being so instrumental to the forging of my career. Whenever I meet the younger generation of artists (or the older) I feel like we're in a kind of wonderful extended artistic family that will forever be connected by this utopian world, supporting of our precarious creative lives.

Emily Beynon

Flautist & YCAT Artist, 1994 (Photo © Eduardus Lee)

YCAT is the most incredible organisation and was absolutely crucial at the start of my career. The wonderful and varied opportunities for performance, both as a concerto soloist and recitalist, and for meeting and playing with other young YCAT artists was really seminal in my development. With hand on heart, I can honestly say that without all the amazing experiences that being a YCAT artist offered me, I would not be the musician I am today. I met my duo partner, the pianist Andrew West, through YCAT and we have been playing together for more than 25 years. Thank you YCAT for being there and believing in me. Here’s to the next 40 years…and beyond!

Daniel de Borah

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2005 (Photo © Keith Saunders)

The wealth and diversity of early career performance experiences I gained during my time with YCAT were invaluable to my development as a concert artist, just as they have been for generations of established musicians worldwide. The YCAT team's warmth, dedication and insightful guidance were instrumental in supporting me on this journey. YCAT has stood the test of time and continues to thrive and evolve, nurturing the next generation of artistic leaders with exceptional care and integrity while forging exciting new industry partnerships and professional opportunities.

Ian Bostridge CBE

Tenor & YCAT Artist, 1992 (Photo © Kalpesh Lathigra)

Without YCAT I can safely say that I would never have become a singer. Rosemary Pickering was the amazing chief executive back in those days. Without her belief in me I would never have thought it possible to make a life in music. The transitional support YCAT gave me, and which it continues to give young musicians, is unique and transforming under the inspired leadership of Alasdair and his team. Here's to another 40 years. 

Castalian Quartet

String Quartet & YCAT Artist, 2016 

We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to spend our lives playing string quartets and there is no doubt YCAT made that possible. Being part of such an extraordinary musical family has been invaluable to our development on and off the concert platform. Above all, it’s the deep level of care that we have taken forward in our career; in what can feel a precarious profession, YCAT remains a beacon of humanity. 

Chiao-Ying Chang 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2001 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

Becoming a YCAT artist has been one of the most defining moments of my career. YCAT’s incredible support, guidance, and belief in young musicians have shaped my journey in ways I could never have imagined. As I continue to grow as an artist, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and opportunities YCAT has provided. Congratulations on 40 years of championing emerging talent! Here’s to many more years of inspiring, nurturing, and transforming the next generation of artists.

Simon Crawford-Phillips 

Conductor/Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2001 (Photo © Matthew Johnson)

As I watch my own children begin their musical journeys I’m aware what a gift it was to work with YCAT - to have time to develop under their guidance was transformative and irreplaceable. The ‘Trust’ in YCAT means much more than financial support. Creative institutions trust YCAT, YCAT trusts their artists and this allows the artists to build a trust in themselves. The next generation needs that more than ever!

Alexandra Dariescu

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2008 (Photo © Frances Marshall)

Being part of YCAT was truly transformative for me, offering not just guidance and support, but a sense of belonging and belief that shaped the artist I am today. The nurturing environment gave me the courage to explore, grow, and ultimately discover my own voice. I will forever treasure the opportunities and mentorship that laid the foundation for my career. My heartfelt gratitude goes to YCAT for the incredible role it has played in my journey. Congratulations on 40 remarkable years - here’s to the next 40 and the countless lives you will continue to inspire and transform!

Tabea Debus

Recorderist & YCAT Artist, 2018 (Photo © Karen Turner)

My five years on the YCAT roster have been career, and life changing — without them, I would not be where I am now, combining performing, working with composers, education, not to mention new collaborations and friendships sprung from the family of YCAT artists. With the invaluable and visionary support of the team around Alasdair, the task of building a profile in an ever-changing and challenging scene has been such a fulfilling enterprise. In moments of doubt they were there not only with an open ear but, most importantly, artistic encouragement that cannot be taken for granted. With YCAT’s help I have since been able to travel the world and do what all of us musicians like to do best: share our music.

Ben Goldscheider 

Horn player & YCAT Artist, 2019 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

The support I received from YCAT was, and continues to be, of immeasurable value. The way in which they helped to navigate the unknown elements of the industry, the advice they gave and the level of protection and support they provided was always first class. I’m so grateful that an organisation like YCAT exists; an organisation that can see ideas percolating in young minds and provides the space to let those ideas and personalities grow. You only have to look at their alumni (myself excluded!) to see how good they are at what they do. I suppose for me, the real achievement transcends the musical aspect - once you have been part of the YCAT family, you never leave! My experiences through my time with YCAT provided me with the foundation for everything that I have done since and will do in the future. Thank you YCAT!

 Nika Gorić

Soprano & YCAT Artist, 2016 (Photo © Doris Markač)

Dear YCAT Family, Please accept my warmest congratulations on your 40th anniversary. YCAT meant an enormous amount to me and to my career, and I still vividly remember the day when I was selected to become a member of your family. For a young foreign student in London it meant a great deal. As a member of YCAT, I felt that I had gained a safe haven where I was supported, where my questions were answered, and where I could receive expert advice regarding my career and choices. Even though my time with you was rather short I felt that you always worked for my best interest and guided me with your invaluable advice, for which I am very grateful. I wish you many more flourishing years of discovering, promoting and guiding young artists.

Thomas Gould 

Violinist & YCAT Artist, 2006 (Photo © Olivia da Costa)

The YCAT that I joined in 2006, up three flights of stairs above a Snappy Snaps in Covent Garden, was very different to the organisation that continues to thrive today. The classical music industry has changed so much since then and it is impressive how YCAT seems to constantly evolve so that it can best serve its artists. It has never been a harder time to make it in the classical music profession in the UK, but for the lucky few who will work with YCAT they will find their emergence as fully-fledged solo artists so much easier.

Savitri Grier 

Violinist & YCAT Artist, 2015 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

YCAT gave me the invaluable on-stage experience I needed during the journey of discovering what kind of musician I wanted to become. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance of the whole team.

Giuseppe Guarerra 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2018 (Photo © Marion Fregeac)

My years with YCAT (May2018-March2020) have been extremely precious for understanding the business side of Music making and gaining experiencing with performing. To guide young artists during their professional growth is not simple: it requires a certain dosage of foolish enthusiasm (necessary to pursue dreams), combined with a high dosage of strategy and (almost) brutal realism . My time at YCAT , unfortunately too short due to Covid and sudden change of management, was extremely active and I got to know a lot of places and venues in the UK, wonderful people that volunteer (most of the time) to keep Music in smaller and bugger cities alive. For those moments I am extremely thankful. The fortune of being a noncommercial agency allows YCAT to be an ideal bridge between unknown highly talented music students and a large network of venues and presenters across UK and abroad. In a world of fast changes and unstoppable commercialization, I wish to YCAT and its members to continue with the original idea and well- established tradition of nurturing young talents in the delicate moment bridging the end of the studies and the beginning of a professional activity, with the aim and vital priority of spreading culture and great Music amongst people.

Amy Harman

Bassoonist & YCAT Artist, 2014 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

YCAT was without a doubt the most transformative thing for my career. The guidance, support and opportunities they created for me shaped me as a player and a person, and gave me confidence to work internationally at the highest levels. I will forever be grateful for my time as a YCAT artist. 

Charles Hazlewood

Conductor & YCAT Artist, 1992 (Photo © Eljay Briss)

Being invited into YCAT as an emerging musician fresh out of uni, blinking into the light, was a massive shot in the arm for me. They had never had a conductor before, so we were all feeling our way. But the support, emotional as well as practical, was intense. I felt seen, and validated. YCAT very quickly came to feel like a second home, and I will never cease to be grateful.

Heath Quartet (Gary Pomeroy, violist)

YCAT Artist, 2008 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

YCAT’s focus on transitioning from being a student onto the concert platform, recording studio and competition circuit is such a sensitive moment that the guidance and advice we received from Sue and Alasdair essentially gave us structure, access and freedom to just work hard and be ourselves. 

Philip Higham 

Cellist & YCAT Artist, 2009 

There's no question for me: I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of YCAT. Like that of many artists the programme has nurtured, my approach in those days tended to be "Music first, the rest last!" So it was important to have my eyes opened to the many other considerations and challenges that come with life as a professional musician. I learned a lot from the team throughout my time with them - also from the other artists - and quickly found that help and advice were always close by. The way we were able to set goals, strategically plan towards significant projects, organise and develop collaborations, and also just brainstorm and start to join up artistic ideas, was of great benefit to me. Everyone has their own path to find, and I felt the team had a way of knowing just how and when to push each of their artists along it (in an almost parental way!) whilst drawing out their best qualities and always respecting their musical identity. Any aspiring artist needs support and trust from outside - especially as the world changes faster than ever around us - and these are two essential qualities YCAT continues to demonstrate in its vital mission to foster the next generation of world class musicians.

Mayumi Kanagawa 

Violinist & YCAT Artist, 2019 (Photo © Victor Marin)

Though I joined the YCAT roster shortly before Covid and unfortunately could not experience the full potential of the organization, it nevertheless gave me invaluable experiences and encounters in a supportive and warm environment. It is in many ways easy to organize a concert, but difficult to organize a concert seires- often the real magic and value lie in the more mundane and unglamorous aspects of sticking with something for a long time. YCAT is a very strong and important thread in the woven cloth of the musical community, connecting and nurturing young musicians as well as the many music lovers throughout England. Forty years is a truly remarkable achievement, and the effects of the work are ripples surely too big to be measured. In a time of divisive politics and conflicts all over the world I wish very strongly for the continuation and growth of much needed programs like YCAT for the next forty years and beyond!

Katona Twins

Guitar Duo & YCAT Artist, 1997 

YCAT is a unique organisation, which not only transformed many young musicians lives and careers but also changed the UK’s classical music landscape in the last 40 years. As the first guitarist in the organisation’s history, we had first hand experience of the tremendous support and guidance most musicians can only dream of. Through their tireless efforts doors opened, new compositions were born and collaborations with other artists were made possible. So thank you YCAT for your work, helping us and fellow musicians realising their dreams! 

So-Ock Kim 

Violinist & YCAT Artist, 2002 

TO everyone at YCAT, Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone of 40 years, supporting so many young and upcoming artists, many of whom are gracing the world’s concert stages and have become major figures in the music world. I had the privilege of becoming a YCAT artist as both a soloist and chamber musician with the Emperor piano trio where I was introduced to many great orchestras, festivals and musicians. Throughout the years I witnessed the dedication and passion that YCAT poured into developing careers of young artists. It’s been an honour to have been a part of this invaluable organisation. Through my role as Artistic coordinator of the Beares International Violin Society where we have loaned instruments to various YCAT artists past and present, it‘s rewarding to witness the artistic development of each individual player and hear them in concert venues around the world. Thank you for all the support you have given to me and so many young musicians and to our future generation of artists. Here’s to a great future and the next 40 years of YCAT!

Bartholemew LaFollette 

Cellist & YCAT Artist, 2007 (Photo © Richard Lewisohn)

I was a winner of the YCAT auditions all the way back in May of 2007. I remember it like it was yesterday. At the end of the evening, I recall my cheeks being ever so slightly sore from smiling as much as I was! The years in which I was looked after and guided by the incredible team at YCAT were invaluable to me at that stage of my career. The opportunities given, connections made, and the lessons learned from the nurturing guidance that defined my association with this most noble organisation have been and continue to be invaluable. Happy birth-year YCAT!!! 

Daniel Lebhardt 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2015 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas)

I will forever be grateful for the incredible exposure that YCAT had spoiled me with at the beginning of my career. Not only were they flooding me with opportunities to play across the UK and abroad, but thanks to them I have met so many wonderful colleagues with whom I developed fruitful professional partnerships that are still very valuable to me. YCAT has been and is like family to me, their support and belief in me as an artist is something I cherish very wholeheartedly, and the valuable lessons I learnt from being on the roster continue to be my compass to this day. 

Richard Lester  

Cellist & YCAT Artist, 1987 (Photo © Dan Reid)

I think it was only the second year since its formation when I was selected to be a YCAT artist. As a young and green cellist, I was very lucky to have had such a useful leg-up in the profession and found it a great help in accessing opportunities that would otherwise have been hard to come by. YCAT today has become an essential and powerful means for young artists to be nurtured, showcased and helped to forward their careers. I congratulate Alasdair and the team on reaching this milestone.

Ji Liu 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2013 (Photo © Na Chen)

The apprenticeship time I spent with YCAT was essential and transformative. The comprehensive support I received was instrumental in my career development, and it provided a foundation that continues to inspire me to be daring, creative, ambitious, and committed. YCAT's tailored approach to support each artist's artistic pursuit is remarkable. As we celebrate YCAT's first 40 years of success, I am privileged to have been part of its journey and its ongoing dedication to shaping and enriching the cultural landscape in the UK and globally. 

Philip Moore

Piano Duo & YCAT Artist, 2001 

I have such happy memories of our time with YCAT. Of course there were countless fantastic performance opportunities and important connections made; but equally valuable was the support network, the advice at the end of a telephone, the positivity, the encouragement, in essence the nurturing that helped so much with the transition from student to professional life. I benefited hugely and am immensely grateful.

Mary Nelson

Soprano & YCAT Artist, 1997 (Photo © Geraint Tellem)

I was honoured to be selected as a YCAT artist back in 1997. I was already busy as a recitalist and oratorio singer but the team at YCAT took this to a new level, providing me with opportunities that would otherwise not have come my way, including performing new and and exciting repertoire, concerts abroad and auditions for major opera houses. Soon after joining, I became a Young Artist at ENO and enjoyed many years there as a principal, all thanks to the guidance of YCAT. The agents who oversaw my development could not have been more nurturing and caring, always catering to my individual aspirations and finding those unique and interesting projects that perfectly fulfilled my thirst for personal development and success. Virtually all young musicians require this assistance in the early stages of a career, and YCAT’s network of contacts can provide so many wonderful engagements, in turn kickstarting lifelong vocations in performing. It is wonderful to see YCAT celebrating their fortieth year. I am not at all surprised to hear of its ever- increasing success and always encourage my Royal Academy of Music students to apply. 

Libor Nováček 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2003 

I frequently reflect with great fondness on my time with YCAT and am deeply appreciative of the support, guidance, and performance opportunities I have received throughout the years. YCAT has undeniably been instrumental in shaping my musical career, providing me with the chance to perform in intimate and often unconventional venues, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as well as enabling me to take the stage at prominent concert halls and perform with orchestras across the UK and overseas. I have always felt a sense of pride in being a member of the YCAT family, through which I encountered many remarkable individuals who have significantly influenced my life.

Jana Vonášková-Nováková

Violinist & YCAT Artist, 2002 (Photo © Daniel Havel) 

Having been selected by YCAT in 2002, this completely changed my student life. As a student of the RCM in London, I have had almost no money and of course almost no concerts at that time. Thanks to YCAT I was not only able to finish my studies at the RCM, but most of all I was enjoying a busy solo career as a violinist. I have collaborated with wonderful pianists, I had the opportunities to perform with distinguished orchestras all around the UK. Thank you, dear YCAT, for your Trust in myself, for your Encouragement for my musical life. Wishing you best of luck for the future! 

Morgan Pearse

Baritone & YCAT Artist, 2013 (Photo © Oleg Singarev) 

It's a rare occasion that I work in London and don't find myself bumping into an artist who has benefited from the remit of YCAT. I still fondly remember how the career guidance I had access to as part of the Trust helped me grow-up as an artist and gain crucial understanding of how to position myself within the industry. Looking back now, more years ago than I'd care to admit (ahem, over a decade!) I am so thankful for the YCAT team and hope that the artists they work with feel the same as I do in another decade!

Theo Plath

Bassoonist & YCAT Artist, 2019 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas) 

The work of YCAT is invaluable for the career enhancement of the most promising artists in the UK and abroad. Apart of advising me in all aspects of a musician’s career, YCAT got me in touch with many important institutions in the musical world, from which I benefit until today.
Congratulations for incredible 40 years and all the best for the next 40 years to come!

Navarra Quartet (Marije Johnston)

String Quartet & YCAT Artist, 2006 (Photo © Andrej Grilc) 

YCAT was/were an absolute key factor in launching the career of the Navarra Quartet. They didn’t just manage the quartet and create many concert opportunities for us in the UK and abroad, but were absolutely fantastic in supporting us mentally and giving us invaluable advice on so many levels. We loved being part of the YCAT family! - Marije Johnston Member of the Navarra Quartet from 2002-2021

Belcea Quartet, (Krzysztof Chorzelski)

String Quartet & YCAT Artist, 1997 

YCAT has been absolutely crucial to us in the early years of our life as a quartet. The guidance we received came with a uniquely personal care.. It played a very important role in easing us into a fully fledged professional career. The performing opportunities presented to us during these formative years were what makes a young ensemble grow. YCAT is a real treasure on the international classical music scene. We are proud to be part of its history and we wish everyone involved many more decades of fulfilment and success. Krzysztof Chorzelski 

Timothy Ridout 

Violist & YCAT Artist, 2016 (Photo © Ting-Ru Lai) 

Many congratulations to YCAT on your 40th Anniversary!! My years with YCAT were a really formative time and I benefited immensely from their thoughtful guidance and management. It was a time when I had to balance exciting opportunities with keeping time to develop and learn a lot of new repertoire. I was so grateful to have so much help with making those important decisions from the brilliant YCAT team.

Alexander Romanovsky 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2009 (Photo © Alexander Brezhnev) 

For me it’s like YCAT has always existed, because it represents for me a home and a secure place - in the exciting, but turbulent and challenging world of classical music I faced as a young professional. I had an incredible luck of meeting my piano teacher Leonid Margarius, a talented and knowledgeable musician I could fully trust, both artistically and ethically, and I can say the same of YCAT, which formed my vision towards the profession in terms of positive and serious attitude, strategic thinking and communication with the promoters. I believe that YCAT, besides helping young artists to be heard and granting the chance to perform in a multitude of well-established musical realities, does a very important work: it lays foundation of what can be called professional culture of being a musician. The educative mission of YCAT can’t be overestimated! Starting from the auditioning process itself, when the candidates are going through various stages meeting real figures from the musical industry in a very open, simple and interested atmosfere under the vigil and sensitive supervision of Alastair, they are literally induced into doing their best and eventually are rewarded by becoming a member of the YCAT family and starting being a much thought after artist!

Kathryn Rudge

Mezzo Soprano & YCAT Artist, 2010 

I am incredibly grateful to have been a YCAT Artist and to have started my singing career with a nurturing and wonderful team that believes wholeheartedly in each artist and works tirelessly to help everyone reach their unique and fullest potential. YCAT guided me through the steep learning curve of completing my singing studies at RNCM and becoming a professional artist. Being supported by YCAT enabled me to seize fantastic performance and learning opportunities and collaborate with many incredible musicians, mentors, and organisations - and these experiences also gave me treasured, lasting friendships and memories. As a YCAT Artist, I debuted in professional operatic roles, performed regular song recitals at festivals and venues, and recorded my debut song album. Beginning my career as a YCAT Artist has undoubtedly given me the foundational platform and inspiration to keep doing what I love all these years later - singing and making music together! I am honoured to have been a part of YCAT and to support them in celebrating this amazing milestone - Here’s to the next 40 years and beyond, and to all the YCAT artists of the future. With heartfelt thanks for all you do YCAT! 

Jane Salmon

Cellist & YCAT Artist, 1984

There’s no doubt that YCAT's support really helped me establish myself and develop as a concert artist, both as a soloist and chamber musician...It was YCAT that raised the level of professional development to make possible a significant leap forward. - Classical Music Magazine 

Graham Scott 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 1989

YCAT has had a huge impact on my career and I am very grateful for the wonderful opportunities that it gave me. I got much needed performance experience at an early age and at the same time YCAT built up my playing activity step by step. I really welcomed the responsible approach that it took to my career ensuring that the right opportunity was procured at just the right time. I certainly wouldn’t be enjoying today’s rewarding career if it wasn’t for YCAT. I should like to wish them a happy 40th anniversary and also wish them well for many more years to come. 

Dominic Seldis

Double Bass & YCAT Artist, 1994 

To put it simply, I owe it all to YCAT. During my time with YCAT I was given the opportunity to learn my trade by playing dozens of concerts up and down the country - a skill that I am still absolutely drawing on today. My career on stage started with YCAT believing in me and in turn enabling me to believe in my self which is an essential ingredient for any budding performer. As a solo bass player, all I wanted was to be on stage and show audiences what I can do and YCAT gave me the support and encouragement to do exactly that. The proof is in the pudding - I can safely say that my career would have been considerably less had it not been for YCAT being in my life at such a crucial stage of development and I shall be forever grateful! My pianist James Pearson and I initially signed up to audition for YCAT as a way of playing at Wigmore Hall so that we could put on our biographies that we had performed on such a prestigious stage. We absolutely did not think we would win and be taken on by YCAT!! 30 years later we are still regularly performing together to thousands of people here in The Netherlands where I live. YCAT works - it is as simple as that!!

Janet Shell

Mezzo Soprano & YCAT Artist, 1990 (Photo © Chrisotpher Goldsack) 

YCAT is one of the great foundations in classical music because it gives emerging artists the opportunities to perform in every genre on a regular basis. I cut my recital teeth at YCAT as the first mezzo soprano to be taken onto the books back in the first 10 years of its existence, and recital is still one of my go-to performance loves. The beautiful Sue Hudson looked after me and I had some of the most extraordinary moments in my early career with YCAT. The recital tour of South America led to a live broadcast on Classic Fm on day 2 of its inception, meaning I was the first singer ever to sing live on the station! So, congratulations YCAT on being 40! You have grown and developed and your artists are synonymous with excellence and innovation. It was an honour to be with you and I wish you and all your present and future artists long, happy and healthy careers. Janet Shell 1990 – 1993 (I think!).

Helen Sherman

Mezzo Soprano & YCAT Artist, 2009 (Photo © Claire Egan) 

I can say with confidence that YCAT set me on my path to becoming the artist I am today. YCAT and their considerable network of contacts provided paid opportunities during my early career that not only helped me pay the bills, but gave me vital experience, collaborations and exposure to develop confidence and increase my profile within the industry. YCAT were the force that assuaged the doubt and disconnection that comes when trying to "make it" alone, in a new country; they showed up for me, every step of the way and remain, to this day, one of the most vital ingredients of my success. Congratulations YCAT on 40 years of fostering talent and here's to the next 40!

Olivier Stankiewicz

Oboist & YCAT Artist, 2016 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas) 

I can’t quite imagine what my life as an artist would have been without YCAT. Their support has been invaluable: not only has there been fantastic opportunities to perform in prestigious venues, and two CD recordings, but they have helped me define and put into practice a great number of ambitious projects, such as setting up a cross-border student wind-band associating two major education institutions to commission a concerto. Surely, being a successful artist requires great energy and drive, but nobody is self-made and everyone needs support. Perhaps most importantly, I owe to YCAT to have put me in touch with so many great musicians who are today my artistic family, sort of to say. I am forever grateful. 

Morgan Szymanski 

Guitarist & YCAT Artist, 2004 (Photo © Jessica Rangel) 

My YCAT years were some of the most challenging and rewarding in my career. From the audition process to the busy concert schedule, preparing repertoire and recordings, the learning curve was made easier thanks to the advice, support and friendship which comes from being a member of the YCAT family. Some of the most cherished memories, musical experiences and lifelong friends came from being part of YCAT. Gracias amigos. Happy 40th Anniversary! Here´s to many more to come. ¡Viva la música!

Alexander Ullman 

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2014 (Photo © Matt Russell) 

For 40 years the musical constellations have twinkled in testament to YCAT, delivering for its young artists in such a way that they reach the stars before they can count lucky ones.

Richard Uttley

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2011 (Photo © Nathaniel Phillips) 

YCAT gave me the opportunities, platform and resources to realise creative ideas at a crucial moment in my career. Their support and guidance helped me grow as an artist, and joining YCAT meant becoming part of an ever-expanding family of incredible musicians, to collaborate with and be inspired by. It makes me very happy to see YCAT continue to thrive, and to know that future generations will be able to have their musical lives and prospects enriched by this incredible organisation.

Adrian Ward

Tenor & YCAT Artist, 2011

I have very special memories of my years with the YCAT family. I was given some wonderful opportunities, exposure and support during those early crucial years between leaving music college and entering the profession. YCAT nurtures extraordinary artists and helps them develop their skills by allowing them access to perform in worldclass venues, and with other worldclass musicians. Thank you for all your support! 

Jonathan Ware

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2014 (Photo © Kaupo Kikkas) 

I can hardly believe YCAT is turning 40 this year! A young artist faces many challenges along the way, and if he or she is lucky, just the right support comes along at the right time, a jolt which helps you traverse the challenge and continue on to further development. YCAT supported me at just such a juncture. I had recently moved internationally and my professional and personal life were in immense upheaval. YCAT offered just the right mix of career and personal advice, performance opportunities, as well as introductions to other artists, educators, and presenters, many of whom have since become close friends. This holistic, multivalent approach makes YCAT unique, as nurturing the artist, enhancing the career, and building the person are all equal ends. This rare and vital support in the music industry has been responsible for the development of so many artists, and I'm immensely grateful for my truly life-changing time at YCAT. 

Elizabeth Watts

Soprano & YCAT Artist, 2004  (Photo © Liz Watts) 

Picture the scene: you’re a young musician waiting nervously backstage at the hallowed Wigmore Hall, and suddenly your name is called. It's Christmas! And the mother of all fairy godmothers, the Young Classical Artists Trust is going to represent you and give you amazing performing opportunities, much needed experience and invaluable advice. Well, that was me a few(!) years ago, and that's why I'm thrilled to be helping YCAT celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Andrew West

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 1990 (Photo © Eduardus Lee) 

My time with YCAT led to concert opportunities around the world, and thanks to their wonderful contacts, many appearances at the major London halls. So it was a major boost to my career in simple terms of dates offered; but also, coming at such a formative time for a young musician, it led to new paths in my creative development. 
The faith YCAT shows in its artists allows them to spread their wings in many directions. My solo playing was somewhat diverted, but also hugely enriched, by the chance to work with some of my YCAT contemporaries, such as singers Ian Bostridge and Susan Gritton, and flautist Emily Beynon - Emily and I are still going strong more than 25 years later!
YCAT’s vision has frankly changed the lives of countless musicians, inspiring us to come up with new ideas as we in turn hope to inspire our audiences. Roll on the next 40 years!!

Franzita Whelan

Soprano & YCAT Artist, 1996

Happy 40th anniversary to YCAT! 
What a tremendous achievement. I have always been very proud to say YCAT was my real starting point in helping me establish my solo career as a young performer. YCAT were truly amazing to me at the start of my singing career; Rosemary and Sue guided me and took care of me in every way as a young aspiring soloist. They were never afraid to reign in my unrealistic ‘wants’ either and for that I was and am very grateful.

I would never have achieved the many great opportunities that I experienced had I not been a YCAT artist.
Go raibh mile maith agat YCAT and I wish you continued success in the years ahead.

Llŷr Williams

Pianist & YCAT Artist, 2002 (Photo © Hannan Images)

Winning the YCAT was the best thing I ever did to start off my career as a performer. The format of their auditions with multiple winners is a much less pressurised environment than a traditional piano competition. Having professional management early on was invaluable experience and the caring attitude of the staff allowed me to feel supported and well-grounded throughout my three years there. YCAT gave me the opportunity to play and make valuable connections in many parts of the country and further afield and I have so many fond memories of my time there.

Bartosz Woroch

Violnist & YCAT Artist, 2011 (Photo © Radek Pruszyński)

Being a YCAT artist has undoubtedly changed the course of my musical career. Its ethos, which balances nurturing and support with exposure and marketability, makes it a truly unique organisation. It comes at a crucial time in any young musician's career, when there is still potential for further development and self-exploration through the art of music; and YCAT are truly best placed, experienced and equipped, to provide guidance and invaluable advice, and thus prepare us for the journey ahead.