The Lyons Mouth vocal ensemble has scooped two leading awards at the York International Young Artists Competition 2026.

The dynamic vocal consort founded in 2024 won the main prize and The Friends of York Early Music Festival award for their performances that combined vivid musical storytelling that, "drew audiences into the dramatic heart of the repertoire".

They will now receive a professional recording contract from Linn Records, a £1,000 cash prize, a future paid engagement with the York Early Music Festival and recording opportunities with BBC Radio 3. In addition, the 'Friends' award came with an additional cash prize of £500.

Leading ensembles

During the two days before the competition, nine leading musical ensembles (above — from a worldwide entry of 56 competitors) of different genres and styles presented recitals at the National Centre for Early Music in York

The competition was judged by Paul Agnew (Les Arts Florissants); Anna Danilevskaia (Sollazzo Ensemble); Kati Debretzeni (English Baroque Soloists); Veerle Declerk (Concertgebouw, Bruges) and Philip Hobbs (Linn Records).

The Tra Noi and Ossian's Dream ensembles shared the cash prizes of £1,000 endowed by the EUBO Development Trust, for the 'Most Promising Young Artists' specialising in Baroque repertoire.

Exciting future

At the end of the competition Philip Hobbs, from Linn Records, who chaired the judging panel said: "I am always amazed and astonished at how this competition re-imagines and re-invents itself year after year, ensuring that early music has an exciting future and will continue to captivate audiences all over the world."

The Competition is supported by the National Centre for Early Music, BBC Radio 3, Arts Council England and Linn Records in addition to support from the John Feldberg Foundation and the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust.