YCAT Annual Report 2020-21

BUILDING CAREERS CHANGING LIVES 2020-21 Annual Report

A year to remember As we embark on a new year, it is so heartening to deliver such a positive and encouraging report about YCAT's impact in 2020-21.

There has never been a time when YCAT's mission, to support the early careers of the most talented young musicians, has been so important.

The visibility, encouragement, pastoral care and ongoing career development advice YCAT provides to our exceptional roster of artists is crucial.

The incredible reach of our free online toolkit for freelance musicians, also gives us huge confidence in YCAT's impact in supporting musicians at a time when they are most in need.

Alasdair Tait CEO & Artistic Director

This work, of course, is only made possible by you, the many individuals and organisations who generously continue to underpin YCAT's work in so many ways.

It is only through this recognition and trust that we can continue to help so many of tomorrow's artists. Thank you!

Our vision

To make a performing career possible for the next generation of musicians.

Young Classical Artists Trust

Focusing on the future Chosen from over 150 applicants worldwide, YCAT is thrilled to have selected twelve new artists. These are: Adelphi Quartet (string quartet), Quatuor Agate (string quartet), Armand Djikoloum (oboe), Irène Duval (violin), Ariel Lanyi (piano), Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux (violin), Iyad Sughayer (piano), Jordan Bak (viola), Balourdet String Quartet (string quartet), Chromic Duo (toy piano electronic duo), Geneva Lewis (violin), Gabriel Martins (cello).

Like all selected artists, over the coming years, they will receive dedicated artist management, extensive performing opportunities, debuts at the world's most prestigious venues, professional publicity materials and digital support.

Passing on the baton: a lasting Legacy

Legacies are important to YCAT and the artists we support - especially after the past year.

With the generous support we receive through legacies and other donations, YCAT has been able to continue helping more young artists than ever before.

One such Legacy gift came from the Concordia Foundation, founded by Gillian Humphreys OBE with the aim to build bridges through music and the arts. For over 25 years, Gillian and the Foundation have made a significant impact on young musicians with their support.

YCAT is incredibly grateful to Gillian Humphreys OBE, Peter J. David, Dasha Shenkman OBE, Georgina Benton, Anna MacDonald for choosing YCAT as a beneficiary of the Concordia Foundation’s legacy and to continue its work of building bridges through excellent music and the arts for years to come.

YCAT is so important because it gives young musicians that first major platform worldwide to go out there and share their gifts in a holistic way as well as being the most fantastic musicians. It's amazing that we can now look to the future with all the young people associated with YCAT. Gillian Humphreys OBE

Over the coming years, the Concordia Foundation's legacy will support the YCAT/Concordia Artist and underpin our career development program.

75,000

young artists were given support in the past year thanks to

you!

Overcoming the Covid-19 challenge In direct response to the impact of Covid-19, YCAT adapted its existing career support to create the 21c Musicians Toolkit.

This free online career development programme gives all freelance graduate musicians the skills and support they need to adapt and build their careers.

Engaged with over

early career musicians worldwide

k n a h T you!

Ema Nikolovska - Mezzo-soprano YCAT Artist 2019 - 21

Boundless gratitude that our worlds collided Ema Nikolovska reflects on her time as a YCAT Artist...

From the very beginning, I felt the YCAT team understood my values, and the ideas which really spark my energy and excitement.

I had a vague idea that in the future I would perform recitals and take part in opera, but I was so new to the singing world (I was an undergraduate violinist) that I didn’t really understand the specifics of professional life.

I knew that YCAT was a unique support system, and what I saw was a team of people experienced in passing down the knowledge of the music industry, who knew how to nurture young artists, like me, during this unstable, sometimes disorienting time.

YCAT encouraged a healthy vision for what my career could be, introduced a concept of how to structure my time and ambitions, and encouraged me to dream big.

Throughout the years I spent with YCAT I felt I had the most loving and most knowledgeable support network I could ever ask for. I felt heard and understood, and like I was introduced to ‘the real world’ in a gentle and caring way - a way where I was embraced for being exactly who I am, and encouraged to stay true to that, while being taught about the different systems and rhythms already present in the industry.

I am very grateful to YCAT for the opportunities to perform at Wigmore Hall and to build a relationship with this incredible space; and with the many, various UK and European festivals and organisations.

Now I feel confident moving into this next stage of commercial management, because I’ve been supported in a way which was designed to complement my personality and artistic values.

It is not hyperbole when I say that YCAT changed my life.

It’s so rare to be able to draw on a team of people like this and to feel constantly supported and understood.

I feel boundless gratitude that our worlds collided!

Ema Nikolovska - Mezzo-soprano YCAT Artist 2019 - 21

For young artists, the transition from the supportive environment of a music college to the begining of a professional career presents considerable challenges.

Just thinking of what might be lost if YCAT were not there, makes me glad to be a supporter.

Dame Janet Ritterman DBE FRSA Former Director of the Royal College of Music

This is a summary of YCAT’s financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2021.

2021 in Numbers

Income

38%

Trust and Foundations

24%

Legacies

Expenditure

52% 22%

Artist Managmeent

Career Development

21%

Donations (inc. Gift Aid)

13%

Concerts and Auditions

16%

Other

13%

Fundraising

1%

Corporate

£525, 258

£413, 470

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 2021. Full audited accounts available online at Charity Commission UK.