Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award announced in association with Classic FM

14 November 2018, 11:37 | Updated: 25 January 2019, 13:28

The winner will receive a cash prize of £4,000, and their performance will be broadcast exclusively on Classic FM.

The Arts Club – Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award in association with Classic FM, a prestigious award open to musicians aged 18 to 25 years old, is now taking submissions.

The competition, which is judged by renowned Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins and a jury of internationally recognised soloists, aims to champion young talent and celebrate the future leaders of classical music.

Last year, the award was presented to South African cellist Abel Selaocoe.

Entrants will submit a YouTube video of their performance, which will be reviewed by Sir Karl and Lady Carol Barratt alongside soloists including Alison Balsom, Catrin Finch, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Emma Johnson and Tasmin Little.

Twelve candidates will be chosen to perform in the first live competition round on Saturday 23 March 2019. At this event, candidates will be judged on technique, individualism, communication and future potential by a panel chaired by Sir Karl Jenkins. Six finalists will perform in the final on Saturday 30 March. Both rounds will be held at The Arts Club in London’s Dover Street.

The recording of the winning performer will be broadcast exclusively on Classic FM.

Sir Karl Jenkins said: “When I was in education, learning music was completely free, however recent music funding cuts has made nurturing new talent impossible amongst budding musicians. For these unforgiving reasons, I am proud to be championing young talent and ensuring the youth are given opportunities to become a success in their field. My award, with The Arts Club and Classic FM, has been created to recognise and celebrate the future leaders of classical music”.

The judging panel, chaired by Sir Karl Jenkins, comprises music educationalist Carol Barratt, Chairman of City Music Society Leslie East, Classic FM presenter Catherine Bott, Managing Director of Decca Classical Label Group Alexander Buhr and harpist Catrin Finch, as they seek the most talented young instrumentalist in the UK.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of £4,000. In addition, a piece from the winner’s competition repertoire, as well as a composition specially written by Sir Karl, will be recorded in a London studio and broadcast on Classic FM. The runner-up will receive a cash prize of £1,000.

For more information and details about how to apply, email submissions@theartsclub.co.uk or go to karljenkins.com.