YCAT Report 2021-22

Shaping a brighter future for Young Artists.

Annual report 2021-22

A time of change The last two years have seen significant changes in the lives of young musicians and the support required.

Building resilience in order to meet these challenges head-on has never been more important. As we continue to reflect upon our work and its impact on young artists, it becomes ever clearer that our unique developmental support and guidance remain central to YCAT's mission.

The path to becoming a successful and fulfilled performing artist can be long and take many different routes. It requires great commitment, tenacity and passion, as well as support and belief from dedicated supporters.

Alasdair Tait CEO & Artistic Director

Because of you, and your belief and support, we have continued to keep our artists flourishing and developing in today's competitive and fast-changing landscape.

Thank you for giving these artists such an important start to their careers.

Helping young musicians fulfil their potential.

Young Classical Artists Trust

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY To make our audition process more accessible, for the first time, we held live semi-final auditions in both London and on the Continent. From the initial 150 international online applications, 40 artists then auditioned at the Pierre Boulez-Saal, Berlin, and the Royal Academy of Music, London.

The chosen 8 finalists were then presented at our Public Finals at Wigmore Hall, all of them hoping to be selected as our 2022 YCAT Artists.

From an inspiring array of performers including a bass-trombonist, brass quintet, violin, baritone and an accordion trio – it was the young clarinettist, Jonathan Leibovitz, who stole the heart of the Jury.

The level and commitment of artists applying for YCAT’s support this year from around Europe have been extraordinary.

We are thrilled that yet again we can present eight exciting finalists in the magnificent Wigmore Hall.

A top prize winner at major competitions in Israel and Europe, including 1st Prize at the prestigious Crusell Competition in Finland and a Special Prize at the Carl Nielsen Competition in Denmark, this year Jonathan completed his Masters at the Music Academy in Basel with François Benda.

In partnership with Concert Artist Guild USA, Jonathan will now receive 3-5 years of full international management. We are already excited to start getting to know Jonathan and can’t wait to see what he might achieve with YCAT's support over the next 3-5 years.

With you, we can help artists like Jonathan unleash their potential and fulfil their potential.

OUR IMPACT It has been another challenging year and we’re incredibly proud of all that we have achieved.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our impact in numbers this year...

25 Artist/Ensembles supported.

22 YCAT Artists & 3 BBC Young Musician of the Year Finalists.

43k 750 concerts worldwide arranged by YCAT for our artists. 450 of which were throughout the UK

freelance musicians reached with free career development support.

1,200

£150

thousand

of income generated

by YCAT going directly into the pockets of our artists.

children reached with education and outreach workshops in partnership with Music Masters UK.

Inspiring the next generation Jordan Bak reflects on his time touring the UK and working with UK Music Masters...

It is always an amazing time visiting England. From the hustle and bustle of London to idyllic Aldeburgh, and everything in between.

This trip has given me a new dimension of perspective. Both in my own music making and programming. It was particularly fulfilling to perform a transatlantic menu of classic 20th century British works and pair them with works from my own culture and upbringing in 21st century New York.

I am endlessly grateful to perform in Bristol, Oxford, Colchester, and of course – in London for my Wigmore Hall debut recital. All in the safe hands of my pianist, Richard Uttley.

Another gift and surreal experience was working with Music Masters to inspire their incredible pupils. We were lucky enough to spend a day at the National Gallery, exploring the amazing art.

Using it as inspiration, we spent a few days improvising, workshopping and brainstorming.

Trying out new sounds, new techniques, new ideas.

Putting all this together we curated a brand new improvised programme for the pupils' final performance.

I have nothing but the highest gratitude for these brilliant young minds – seeing them approach and create music, especially more and more students from my demographic, is certainly a pathway to inclusion and breaking barriers.

It is a firm reminder that Music Masters and the Pathway programme is not just a morsel of their musical education, but a crucial aspect of their lives as human beings and within their communities.

Thank you to YCAT, Victoria Robey OBE, and Music Masters for making these unforgettable experiences possible.

...Until next time!!

PUTTING MUSICIANS

CENTRE STAGE

REACHING 10,000 FREELANCE MUSICIANS with free mental health support

Musicians' Mental Health Month

Back in May, we teamed up with the Musicians' Union (MU), Help Musicians, British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) in an industry-first initiative to put the mental health of young musicians centre stage The month-long campaign saw a range of free sessions including oneto-one coaching, breathing workshops and guided meditation.

The emphasis was on facilitating greater self-sufficiency in dealing with mental health issues before reaching the crisis point.

The early part of a musician’s career can be an exciting time, but it can also present significant challenges Joe Hastings, Head of Music Minds Matter at Help Musicians.

Thank you!

Because of your support, all events and recourses were fully accessible and free of charge.

It is great to see the way YCAT’s young artists are able to grow and flourish with the support of the organisation.

It is important to ensure we are able to help the next generation of classical artists develop so that we’ll have a vibrant community in years to come.

Michael Horridge, YCAT Trustee

This is a summary of YCAT’s financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2022.

21-22 in Numbers

Income Other 11%

Expenditure

Corporate 1%

Fundraising 12%

Concerts & Auditions 18% Artist Management 52%

Donations 30%

Grants 58%

Career Development 18%

£418, 724

£462, 330

Your support and generosity last year enabled us to support many young artists at the beginning of their careers.

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 2022.

Full audited accounts available online at Charity Commission UK.