Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award 2016 launched

16 October 2015, 00:00 | Updated: 16 October 2015, 09:00

The Arts Club has announced details of this year’s Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award 2016.

The competition honours outstanding young musicians aged between 18 and 25, with live competition concerts taking place on March 6 and the final on March 13 2016.

All details on how to enter can be found here >

Jenkins commented on the aims of the competition: “I was privileged to have studied at grammar school, university and the Royal Academy of Music at a time when music education was free to all.

“This is no longer the case and it frustrates me that recent governments have failed to invest in the musical future of our society. I am therefore more passionate than ever about championing young musicians and ensuring that great talent is given the opportunity to shine. 

“My award, with The Arts Club and Classic FM, has been created to acknowledge and celebrate the classical music stars of the future.”

Entrants will be judged by a panel of experts led by Jenkins himself, and featuring Classic FM’s Managing Editor Sam Jackson, music educationalist Carol Barratt and a consultation panel consisting of internationally renowned soloists: Alison Balsom, Nicola Benedetti, Catrin Finch, Dame Evelyn Glennie and Emma Johnson.

The winner of the inaugural competition in 2015 was the violinist Joo Yeon Sir.