Two cellists, a violinist, a double bassist and three chamber groups are among the twelve finalists this year

The UK’s Young Classical Artists Trust (YCat) has announced that this year’s twelve finalists will all receive a twelve-month support package, involving online career advice sessions and workshops, as well as dedicated social and digital media presence. While the artists chosen for representation are usually named after the finalists perform at an audition in London’s Wigmore Hall, the Covid-19 lockdown meant that this year the auditions could not take place. Each of this year’s finalists, however, will progress directly to the semi-final stage of next year’s live auditions.

The string players chosen this year are: violinist Irène Duval (France/Korea), cellists Anouchka Hack (Germany) and Erica Piccotti (Italy), double bassist Dominik Wagner (Germany), the Mithras Trio (UK), the Barbican Quartet (UK) and the Agate Quartet (France).

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Read: Young Classical Artist Trust selects violinist, cellist and piano trio

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‘I am thrilled that we are able to offer this unique solution for 12 inspiring young artists, helping them navigate a course through the uncertain year ahead,’ said YCat chief executive and artistic director Alasdair Tait. ’They all have so much to offer already and we look forward to introducing them to our wider audience in the coming months.’