YCAT Annual Report 2019-2020

GIVING YOUNG ARTISTS HOPE 2019-20 Annual Report

Every young artist deserves support...

Looking back over the past year, I don't need to tell you how challenging and traumatic it has been for all the young artists we support.

However, your unfailing support and generosity, alongside constant messages of encouragement to our artists and for our work, has been truly inspiring.

From the initial COVID-19 Hardship Fund, our support of all 2020 YCAT finalists and an invaluable three year record deal for YCAT artists, to the building of our new, free digital career development programme for all freelance musicians - none of this would have been possible without your support.

Alasdair Tait CEO & Artistic Director

As we now look ahead with more hope and optimism, here are some snapshots of just a few of the ways you made a real difference to our artists during this unforgettable year.

Our Vision

To make a sustainable career possible for all young artists.

Young Classical Artists Trust

Giving hope in a time of crisis COVID-19 brought the music world to a halt, wiping clear the diaries of the next generation of world-class classical artists, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

Because of you, we were able to give them an amazing amount of financial support to help them survive.

£120,000 Donated by you!

YCAT provides tremendous practical support to many great young artists at times of crisis and at the best of times.

The success of the hardship fund underlines exactly why YCAT exists.

Sir Bryn Terfel CBE

35 selected YCAT artists supported!

Last year, we weren't able to hold our annual live auditions at Wigmore Hall. Instead, all twelve finalists will receive a package of advice and career support, benefiting from our reach and profile within the industry.

This included an individual ‘Introducing the 2020 Finalists’ week for each artist across all social media platforms. They also received a fast-track place to our 2021 live semi-final auditions.

The twelve selected finalists are: Andrei Gologan (piano), Anouchka Hack (cello), Ariel Lanyi (piano), Barbican Quartet (string quartet), Dominik Wagner (double bass), Erica Piccotti (cello), Irène Duval (violin), Kunal Lahiry (piano), Mateusz Kowalski (guitar), Mithras Trio (piano trio), Quatuor Agate (string quartet), Ryan Drucker (piano).

Record deal for the 21st Century From creative concept to packaged and digital product – each artist will experience recording a debut CD.

In the first three-year recording partnership of its kind, Delphian will invite nine YCAT artists to record debut albums for global release forming part of the Delphian catalogue.

YCAT’s identification of talent has an undeniable, proven track record. I see this entirely natural partnership as an important landmark in Delphian’s journey Paul Baxter, Managing Director Delphian Records It is only thanks to the support of Alastair and Liz Storey that this partnership is made possible - thank you!

Helping young freelancers As well as selected artists, we offer free training on key skills to all freelance musicians - helping them find their path to a successful future in the arts. In 2019-20 we: Hosted 3 live seminars connecting young musicians with experts from: Classic FM, Askonas Holt, ISM, Help Musicians, Royal Albert Hall and more

Supported freelance musicians all over the world

Delivered 10 digital masterclasses

All free of charge and accessible to all

These figures show activity up to August 2020

You've made my dreams come true Timothy Ridout (Viola) reflects on his time as a YCAT artist...

I didn’t really think that I stood much of a chance, however I was encouraged to complete the application...I didn’t realise how much that decision would influence the next few years of my life. It’s hard to define the main way in which I benefited from being a YCAT artist, as it really did influence so many aspects of my life as a musician.

Something which I quickly realised is that as a musician, there are hundreds of decisions to make, and that unfortunately it isn’t possible to do absolutely everything.

Most days I would be in touch with YCAT one way or another, confirming a programme, booking a flight, making a decision, discussing long term repertoire goals, or dream projects and making them happen, thanks to their amazing work.

Over the four years with YCAT, I spent a rather large amount of time on stage - there really is no substitute for performance practice.

Not only is this something which I love doing, but playing to a diverse array of audiences, I quickly learnt what works in a real performance situation and what I could take on to larger recitals.

Being a YCAT artist also gives you the chance to debut on one of the worlds best stages - Wigmore Hall.

Using everything I learnt from smaller concerts and recitals really prepared me for this. Over the three years I played three lunchtime recitals as part of this series, and I am honoured to have performed there so much!

Over four years as a YCAT artist several dreams of mine came true during my time. Including playing Walton Concerto with Philharmonia Orchestra, Zurich Tonhalle, Bartok Concerto with BBC Symphony Orchestra and Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with Camerata Salzburg.

Thank you for making my dreams a reality

YCAT totally opened my world up to the possibilities of what I can do. They’re amazing to bounce ideas off and to talk to if I’m worried about anything ... musically, career-wise or with any decisions that I make, they’re just such a supportive team.

Amy Harman (YCAT Artist 2014-19)

This is a summary of YCAT’s financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2020.

2020 in Numbers

Income

Expenditure

55%

Trust and Foundations

56%

24%

Donations (inc. Gift Aid)

19%

Concerts and Auditions

Other

13%

Fundraising

8%

Legacies

12%

Career Development

2%

Corporate

13%

£583, 709

Artist Managmeent

£541, 492

Thank you!

Your support and generosity last year enabled us to support many young artists at the beginning of their careers - more than in the 35 year history of YCAT.

If you would like to help support more young musicians, please contact Kieran Jones, Development Manager on kieran@ycat.co.uk.

Thank you!

This is a summary of YCAT’s financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2020. Full audited accounts available online at Charity Commission UK.