The York International Young Artists Competition has announced that applications are invited for next year's event.

The long-standing competition has helped launch the careers of many young early music ensembles, and will take place between 8th — 11th July 2026 at the National Centre for Early Music in York, as part of York Early Music Festival.

Shortlisted

Shortlisted ensembles will spend three days in York during the York Early Music Festival meeting music professionals, industry experts and audience members.

The final takes place on Saturday 11th July, with a day of performances at the National Centre for Early Music's home at St Margaret's Church. The event will be livestreamed on the NCEM's YouTube channel and recorded by BBC Radio 3.

Grand prizes

The generous first prize includes a recording contract from Linn Records, a £1,000 prize, and a paid concert at the 2027 York Early Music Festival.

Other awards include the Friends of York Early Music Festival Prize; the Cambridge Early Music Prize; and a prize for The Most Promising Young Artist/s, endowed by the EUBO Development Trust.

Dr Delma Tomlin MBE, Director of the Festival and founder of the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), told 4BR: "The competition brings together ensembles from all over the world who use this unique opportunity to launch their careers."

The ensembles must demonstrate historically informed performance practice and play repertory from the period, spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century, on period instruments4BR

Competition information

The competition is open to:

Early Music ensembles with a minimum of three members.
Ensembles must have an average age of 35 years or under, with a maximum age of 36 years for individuals.

The ensembles must demonstrate historically informed performance practice and play repertory from the period, spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century, on period instruments.

The competition is recognised as a major international platform for emerging talent in the world of early music.

Applications:

Applications open on 8th September and close at midnight on Monday 8th December.