YORK INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION 2026
The York International Young Artists Competition is delighted to announce that applications for next year's competition are now open. This prestigious long-standing competition, which has launched the careers of many young early music ensembles, will take place from 8 to 11 July at the National Centre for Early Music in York, UK, as part of the 2026 York Early Music Festival.
Shortlisted ensembles will spend three days in York during the York Early Music Festival, where they will meet music professionals, industry experts and members of the public. The final will take place on Saturday 11 July, with a day of performances at the National Centre for Early Music at St Margaret's Church. The event will be streamed live on the NCEM's YouTube channel and recorded by BBC Radio 3. The generous first prize includes a recording contract with Linn Records, a £1,000 cash prize and a paid concert at the 2027 York Early Music Festival.
Other prizes on offer include the Friends of York Early Music Festival Prize, the Cambridge Early Music Prize and a prize for the most promising young artist(s), offered by the EUBO Development Trust.
The competition is open to:
The competition is open to:
- Early music ensembles with a minimum of three members.
- Ensembles must have an average age of 35 or under, with a maximum age of 36 for individuals.
- Ensembles must demonstrate historically informed performance practice and play a repertoire from the period, ranging from 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. Attracting musicians from all over the world, it offers a tremendous boost to young professional careers by providing opportunities to perform, record and broadcast, as well as international visibility.
Application deadline: 8 December 2025
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