bbc young musician 2016 entry form

1Contents

Welcome page 2

Auditions & Performance Rounds pages 3-4

Regional Auditions

Category Auditions

Category Finals

Semi-Final

BBC Young Musician 2016 Final

Explanatory Notes pages 5-7

Entry Form pages 8-9

2014 Winner's Story page 10

Follow [email protected]/bbcyoungmusician

BBC young musician 2016

2Welcome to BBC Young Musician 2016

The search for the next BBC Young Musician starts here and will reach its conclusion on 15th May 2016, when three finalists will perform full concertos with a professional symphony orchestra. Once again, BBC Young Musician will be broadcast on BBC Four with complementary coverage on Radio 3, and were delighted to announce that the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award will also return this year with applications open from the summer of 2015. At the 2014 final at Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Martin James Bartlett took the title with his performance of Rachmaninovs Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kirill Karabits. Fellow finalists Sophie Westbrooke (recorder) and Elliott Gaston-Ross (percussion) also shone in repertoire by Gordon Jacob and David Heath. According to Martin, BBC Young Musician offers wonderful performanceopportunities, a chance to improve with the adjudicators valuable advice and a huge amount of enjoyment and fun along the way. It was a great journey and I have learnt so much! Turn to the back of this brochure for more about Martins experience of BBC Young Musician and how his life has changed since he won the title.

Its clear from just a glance at a list of BBC Young Musician alumni that this has always been a competition that can launch a seriously impressive career. Thomas Ads, Alison Balsom, Nicola Benedetti, Natalie Clein, Michael Collins, Colin Currie, Nicholas Daniel, Benjamin Grosvenor, Stephen Hough, Freddy Kempf, Jennifer Pike and Paul Watkins all competed here. It wont be easy: more than 450 musicians entered in 2014 and the winner will need to excel at five different rounds over several months. But everyone has the chance to be heard at an audition and can receive feedback from a panel of judges. For us, its wonderful to hear so much inspiring music-making, all around the country. We look forward to welcoming a new group of talented performers as we start our search for BBC Young Musician 2016. Good luck!

Young Musician 2014 category winners: (l-r) William Dutton (violin), Martin James Bartlett (piano), Sophie Westbrooke (recorder), Matilda Lloyd (trumpet), Elliott Gaston-Ross (percussion)

BBC Young Musician 2014, Martin James Bartlett

Welcome

3Regional Auditions September - October 2015 All eligible entrants will be invited to perform at the Regional Auditions which will take place at venues around the UK, including Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle Gateshead, Glasgow and London.Dates for each region and individual categories to be confirmed.

You may choose your own programme which should not exceed 10 minutes, including tuning breaks and breaks between movements. Your time starts when the first note of your programme is played. If you exceed this time limit you may be stopped by the BBC representative.

A piano will be provided for pianists and accompanists: no other instrument will be provided as an accompanying instrument.

You must provide your own accompanist (if relevant) at your own expense.

Page turners will not be provided please arrange your own if required.

You will need to provide 3 copies of all the music you are going to play for the adjudicators. Photocopies are acceptable.

The Regional Auditions will be closed to the public and recorded for reference and possible broadcast.You will be notified of the results of the Regional Auditions by email on or before Monday 26 October 2015.

Category Auditions November-December 2015Dates for individual categories to be confirmed.

The Category Auditions will take place at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Approximately 125 successful entrants from the Regional Auditions will be invited to compete at the Category Auditions.You may choose your own programme which

should not exceed 12 minutes, including tuning breaks and breaks between movements. Your time starts when the first note of your programme is played. If you exceed this time limit you may be stopped by the BBC representative.

A piano will be provided for pianists and accompanists: no other instrument will be provided as an accompanying instrument.

You may play one piece (or movement) that you played in the Regional Auditions i.e. you can only repeat one piece or movement from your earlier round. You may also perform another movement from the same work.You must provide your own accompanist (if relevant) at your own expense.


You will need to provide 3 copies of all the music you are going to play for the adjudicators. Photocopies are acceptable.

The Category Auditions will be closed to the public and recorded for reference and possible broadcast.

Five performers per category will be selected to go through to the Category Finals.

You will be notified of the results of the Category Auditions by email on or before Monday 14 December 2015.

Category Finals6-10 March 20166 March Keyboard Category Final7 March Woodwind Category Final8 March Percussion Category Final9 March Brass Category Final10 March Strings Category Final

The Category Finals will take place at the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

Five performers per category will perform in front of a panel of adjudicators and an audience.

The Category Finals will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Four and/or other media.

Keyboard Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Piano Accordion, Button Accordion Percussion Tuned and non-tuned percussion Strings Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Mandolin, Classical Guitar

Auditions & Performance Rounds

4You may choose your own programme which should not exceed 16 minutes, excluding tuning breaks and breaks between movements. Your time starts when the first note of your programme is played.

A piano will be provided for the keyboard final and for accompanists: no other instrument will be provided as an accompanying instrument. Pianists must play the piano provided, which will be a Steinway or equivalent.

You may play one piece (or movement) that you played in the Regional or Category Auditions i.e. you can only repeat one piece or movement from your earlier rounds. You may also perform another movement from the same work.

You may continue to use your own accompanist or request an official BBC accompanist.


Each category winner will receive 1,000, a specially-commissioned trophy and a place in the BBC Young Musician Semi-Final. Results will be announced on the night.

Semi-Final13 March 2016The Semi-Final will take place at the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.

The five category winners will perform in front of a panel of adjudicators and an audience.

The Semi-Final will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Four and/or other media.You may perform the same programme as the Category Final OR should you wish, you may change some or all of the pieces in your programme. Please note that there is no obligation to change your programme for the Semi-Final and performers who repeat their repertoire from the Category Final will not be disadvantaged in the scoring.

The programme should not exceed 16 minutes, excluding tuning breaks and breaks between

movements. Your time starts when the first note of your programme is played.

A piano will be provided for accompanists: no other instrument will be provided as an accompanying instrument. Pianists must play the piano provided, which will be a Steinway or equivalent.

You may continue to use your own accompanist or an official BBC accompanist.


Three performers will be selected to go through to the BBC Young Musician 2016 Final. Results will be announced on the night.

BBC Young Musician Final 15 May 2016The Final will take place on 15 May 2016 in front of a panel of adjudicators and an audience.

The Final will be broadcast on BBC FOUR and/or other media.You will play a concerto of your choice (or work for solo instrument and orchestra) with a professional symphony orchestra. This work must be no less than 15 minutes duration and must not exceed 30 minutes there will be no exceptions to this rule. The performance order will be decided by the BBC.The winner will be awarded the title of BBC Young Musician 2016, a prize of 3,000 and a specially- commissioned trophy.

Each Finalist will also receive the support of a two year aftercare scheme paid for by the BBC and run by the Young Classical Artist Trust (YCAT).

The Walter Todds Bursary In memory of the late Walter Todds, founder of BBC Young Musician, a total bursary of 1,000 will be allocated at the discretion of the BBC to the performer or performers who show great promise but do not reach the Final.

For brass, keyboard, percussion, string and woodwind players aged 18 or under on 1 January 2016.

Brass French Horn, Trumpet, Cornet, Tenor Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone, TubaWoodwind Flute, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Recorder, Harmonica

5Eligibility

You may enter for any of the instrument classes as long as the following three categories are satisfied: Qualification You should have achieved Grade 8 standard (see Entry Form for further details) Age You should be 18 or under on 1 January, 2016. Residency You must be a resident of the United Kingdom (including the Channel Isles and Isle of Man) at the time

of entry and for the duration of the competition (until May 2016).

We are unable to accept entries from anyone closely related to a BBC staff member or anyone involved in the competition.

You must provide a copy of your birth certificate or passport with your application form along with a copy of your Grade 8 or diploma certificate or an accreditation from your teacher.(The copy of your birth certificate or passport will be destroyed once your entry has been validated.)Entrants may also be asked to provide proof of UK residency.

Entrants aged under 18 will require the signed consent of their parent or guardian (see Entry Form).

All eligible entrants who have not reached the statutory school-leaving age will be required to be licensed (in accordance with the Children and Young Persons Act) by the BBC before they can be filmed for broadcast. Any entrant requiring a licence who cannot be licensed for any reason will not be able to take part.

Any entrant who the BBC (in its absolute discretion) considers too young, badly behaved, unable to cope with the demands of the competition or otherwise unsuitable to take part in BBC Young Musician 2016 will not be able to compete.

Please note that you must play an instrument which has a concerto or other orchestral work written for it.

The BBC will only use your personal details for the purposes of administering BBC Young Musician 2016, and will not publish them or provide them to anyone not connected with this event without your permission. If the BBC is required to pass your details to any third party for the purposes of administering BBC Young Musician 2016, the BBC will require that they only use your details strictly for these purposes. If you would like to know more about the BBCs Privacy & Cookies Policy, please go to bbc.co.uk/privacy

Entry requirements and multiple entries

If you wish to enter BBC Young Musician 2016, please complete the entry form and send or email with accompanying documents to the address on the form.

Remember to include: Entry form Copy of birth certificate or passport Either a copy of Grade 8 certificate or copy of a Performers Diploma or signed accreditation from a professional teacher Repertoire choices for Regional and Category Auditions

Multiple entries - if you wish to play different instruments from the same family (e.g. descant and treble recorders; B flat,D trumpets and flugelhorn) you may enter these on a single application form. However, if you wish to enter on instruments of different characters (e.g. flute and oboe; piano and organ) you must submit separate entry forms for each one.

Please note that the judges decision on all matters is final.The BBC will not enter into any correspondence, either verbal or written about results.Written reports on performances will be available from the BBC Young Musician office on request.

Expenses

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable travel expenses (i.e. standard rail fare or equivalent) on production of a receipt/invoice. If you are aged 16 or under we will also pay expenses for one adult to chaperone you. This could be your accompanist. We are unable to reimburse travel expenses if you are travelling from outside the UK.

Explanatory Notes

6Instruments

Apart from keyboard players and percussionists, you must provide your own instrument. Any amplification equipment required for your programme will also need to be supplied by you. If you choose to provide your own percussion instruments this will be at your own expense. A piano will be provided for accompanists. If you require any other instrument for an accompanist this will be provided at your own expense. You may bring up to two accompanists.

Pianists must play the piano provided, which will be a Steinway or equivalent.

Percussionists - you should include tuned and non-tuned percussion in your programmes. You may bring up to two accompanists (e.g. piano and double bass) at your own expense but percussion must be the dominant solo instrument. The BBC will provide a range of professional percussion instruments for performers at each stage; however, percussionists may provide their own instruments which they must transport at their own expense.

Interviews and television cameras

Television cameras will be present to record the Category Auditions, Category Finals, Semi-Final and Final of BBC Young Musician 2016 for broadcast. You may be contacted by the BBC and interviewed at any stage. This interview and your performances may be recorded for possible use on radio, television and/or other media.

Music

You can play from memory or from music at any stage.It is recommended that performers include some variety of style and period in their choice of music.Failure to do so will not be penalised, but a well-selected programme will be taken into account by the adjudicators in the case of a tie.

All details of music for the Regional and Category Auditions should be filled in on the entry form, including the publisher and duration of each work.

You may play one piece (or movement) that you played at the Regional or Category Auditions, if you are selected.You may also perform another movement from the same work.

You will be allowed to change your mind on the choice of music as long as the BBC Young Musician office has been informed by the following dates:Regional Auditions 11 September, 2015Category Auditions 13 November, 2015

At the Regional and Category Auditions you must provide 3 copies of all the music you are going to play for the adjudicators. Photocopies are acceptable.

If selected for the Category Finals, you must send your programme details to the BBC Young Musician office by 22 January 2016. You may play one piece (or movement) that you played in the Regional or Category Auditions i.e. you can only repeat one piece or movement from your earlier rounds. You may also perform another movement from the same work. You must also notify the BBC by 22 January of your choice of concerto (or work for solo instrument and orchestra) to be performed at the BBC Young Musician Final, should you be selected.

If selected for the Semi-Final you may perform the same programme as the Category Final OR should you wish, you may change some or all of the pieces in your programme. Please note that there is no obligation to change your programme for the Semi-Final and performers who repeat their repertoire from the Category Final will not be disadvantaged in the scoring.

Those who reach the Final of BBC Young Musician 2016 should note that they will be playing with a professional orchestra. As rehearsal time is limited the BBC will be strict about the duration of your chosen concerto (or work for solo instrument and orchestra) which must be no less than 15 minutes duration and must not exceed 30 minutes.The order of performance will be decided by the BBC at every performing stage.

7In the event of an entrant being unable to take part in any judging stage for any reason including illness, licensing issues or other eventuality then the BBC reserves the right to substitute an alternative entrant.

Performers' accompanists

For the Regional and Category Auditions you must provide your own accompanist at your own expense.

For the Category Finals and Semi-Final you will be asked if you would like an official BBC accompanist although you may continue to use your own. If you require any further accompanists for your programme, this will be at your own expense. You may use up to two accompanists.

Page turners will not be provided by the BBC at any stage please arrange your own if required.

Time limits

Regional Auditions 10 minutesCategory Auditions 12 minutesCategory Final 16 minutesSemi-Final 16 minutesFinal 15-30 minutes

When timing your programme please allow for gaps between movements and for tuning at the Regional and Category Auditions. For example, your 10 minute programme might only contain 8-9 minutes of music. Your time starts when the first note of your programme is played. You may be stopped by the BBC representative if you exceed the time limit. In the event of a tie between performers, if any have exceeded the time limit, this may be taken into account when deciding who goes through to the next stage. At the Category Final, Semi-Final and Final the time limit excludes gaps between movements and tuning.

Website information

The BBC Young Musician 2016 website is at bbc.co.uk/youngmusician where you can download the entry form. You can also request an entry brochure by emailing us at [email protected]

You will need to post your entry form and accompanying documents to BBC Young Musician 2016, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ or scan and email them to [email protected] by 31 July 2015. We recommend that you obtain proofof posting.

After sending your application form to us you will receive acknowledgement of its safe arrival by email. If you do not receive this within 14 days you should contact us on 02920 323900.

Young Classical Artist Trust

The BBC has arranged an aftercare scheme for the three performers who reach the Final. It is with the Young Classical Artist Trust (YCAT), a charitable organisation which provides expert advice and guidance on career development to outstanding young musicians at the outset of their professional careers. From this organisation the finalists receive advice on concert engagements, repertoire, fee negotiations and other matters. The first two years of this service are paid for by the BBC.

Explanatory Notes

8

Please attach passport photo

here

Please fill in this entry form using the Explanatory Notes.The completed form and relevant ocumentation should be sent with proof of posting toBBC Young Musician 2016, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ or scanned and emailed to [email protected] by 31 July, 2015. Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS & attach a passport size photo.I would like to enter BBC Young Musician 2016. I have read the guidelines and agree to abide by the conditions.

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Male Female please tick Date of birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nationality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone + STD code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile no . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name of parent/ legal guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School telephone + STD code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name of Headteacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Name of Head of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name of Local Education Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you are away from home during term-time please provide this address below:

Term-time address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone + STD code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name(s) of weekend music school/college (if any) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Where did you hear about BBC Young Musician 2016? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please write your choice of repertoire for the Regional Auditions in the table below (10 minutes max)

Composer Name of Work inc. movements and opus nos. Publisher Duration

Please write your choice of repertoire for the Category Auditions in the table below (12 minutes max)

Composer Name of Work inc. movements and opus nos. Publisher Duration

Entry Form

9 Please check that you have completed your form accurately and return it with accompanying documents to: BBC Young Musician 2016, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ or scan and email to [email protected] by 31 July, 2015.

BBC Broadcast Terms and ConditionsI hereby consent to the filming of my participation in BBC Young Musician 2016, the nature and content of which has been fully explained to me.

In particular I acknowledge that adjudicators comments, both positive and negative will be recorded and may be included in any BBC output.

I hereby assign the complete copyright in my contribution and give all consents as may be required under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (as amended) and grant to the BBC any and all rights necessary to enable the BBC to make the fullest use of its recordings without restriction in any and all media throughout the world for the duration of such rights. In particular I hereby grant to the BBC the unlimited right to edit, copy, alter, add to, take from, adapt or translate my contributions hereunder and in relation to such contributions hereby waive irrevocably all moral rights which I have now or in the future, including without limitation any rights under section 77 to 85 inclusive of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or any similar law of any jurisdiction.The BBC may without further consent use my name, likeness, biography, photographs of me and recordings of interviews with me in promoting and publicising the Programme(s) in all media formats worldwide.The BBC reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel the selection process and/or the programme at its absolute discretion. It is under no obligation to make or broadcast ay programme containing my Contributions. The BBC reserves the right to repeat any programmes made on any of the BBCs services.

I warrant that I have truthfully and accurately completed the programme

Application Form and acknowledge and agree that the BBC may in its sole discretion disqualify any applicant from any part of the selection process or the programme itself and that it may disqualify me if I have breached this or any other rule, term or condition. I understand that if I reach the later stages of the competition I may be contacted and asked for further information about myself, including a background check.I agree at the request of the BBC to take part in publicity events in connection with BBC Young Musician 2016.The BBC shall not be liable to me or my legal representative for any loss or damage or injury to me or my property caused or suffered in connection with the BBCs making of the Programme(s) unless caused by the negligence of the BBC and recoverable on that ground.

I agree that my contribution shall not contain anything which is an infringement of copyright or which is calculated to bring the BBC into disrepute or which is defamatory provided however that the BBC shall not be entitled to bring claim against me in respect of any defamatory material that was included in my contribution without negligence or malice on my part.

The Courts of England and Wales shall have sole jurisdiction in relation to this declaration which shall be interpreted to the laws of England and Wales.

The BBC will only use your personal details for the purpose of administering BBC Young Musician 2016 and will not publish them or provide them to anyone not connected with this event without your permission. If the BBC is required to pass your details to any third party for the purposes of administering this event, the BBC will require that they only use your details strictly for these purposes. If you would like to know more about the BBCs Privacy & Cookies Policy, please go to: bbc.co.uk/privacy

You can find the BBCs Child Protection Policy and information about the BBCs guidelines for working with children and young people at bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/insidethebbc/howwework/policiesandguidelines/child_protection.html

I agree to take part in BBC Young Musician 2016 and to abide by its rules. As a condition of entry, I hereby consent to the recording of my contribution and performance subject to the Broadcast Terms and Conditions above.

I enclose a copy of my birth certificate to prove my age

I enclose one of the following (please tick the appropriate box): a photocopy of a certificate to show that I have gained Grade 8 from a recognised School of Music a photocopy of a Performers Diploma a signed accreditation from a professional teacher of my instrument below

I certify that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (entrants name) has reached Grade 8 standard.

Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teachers phone no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .

Signature ______________________________________________________________________________

I wish to enter at the venue nearest to my home / term-time* address *delete as appropriateWhilst we will make every effort to accommodate entrants at the venue closest to them, we regret that this will not always be possible. Entrants will be informed of the date, time and venue for their audition during August.

Signed ________________________________________________________________________________ (entrant)

Countersigned ___________________________________________________________ (parent or guardian of entrants aged under 18)

Entry Form

10

Martin James Bartlett (piano)Martin reached the Category Final in 2012, so heknew what to expect when he entered BBC Young Musician 2014. He came back, he says, to grow and develop not only as a pianist but as a musician. And to have the opportunity to perform for world-class musicians. Making it to the Final, and performing Rachmaninovs Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Kirill Karabits was a whole other experience. The most nerve-wracking moment was standing backstage with Kirill, looking into a packed Usher Hall, knowing that in a few moments I would be performing to a panel of distinguished judges and the BBC Four and Radio 3 audiences. When I walked back off stage, I had no recollection of what I had just done. I was concentrating so hard and totally immersed in the music.

Nothing has been quite the same for Martin since that extraordinary night in Edinburgh. I have had so many wonderful experiences and opportunities since winning. I was one of 27 international artists, alongside Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Nicola Benedetti, to be chosen to record the new version of the Beach Boys song God Only Knows produced by BBC Music. In 2014 I performed at BBC Proms in the Park and this year I will be at the Royal Albert Hall, playing in a Prom with Eric Whitacre and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I have performed concertos at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cadogan Hall, St Johns Smith Square and Kings Place and made my debut with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Ill also be performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the opening night of this years Cheltenham Music Festival.

According to Martin, BBC Young Musician is an experience worth having, with or without the prize money, the contract with YCAT and the big career boost that the winner enjoys. It has been the most wonderful experience of my life. The overwhelming feeling among the other competitors was of comradeship and support, and there were so many exciting, enjoyable

moments that I will never forget - I had many laughs and a lot of fun. BBC Young Musician has helped me to mature as a musician, expand my musical horizons and has inspired me to work harder and achieve my dreams. And his advice for those taking part in 2016? The music is the most important thing so just go out there and give the best performance you can. Regardless of the result it is a totally life-changing experience. Enjoy every moment!

Martin will return to BBC Young Musician in 2016 to perform at the Final on 15th May.

Presenter Clemency Burton-Hill congratulates Martin on becoming BBC Young Musician 2014

Entry Form 2014 Winner's Story

BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN 2016, Cardiff, CF5 2YQbbc.co.uk/youngmusician

bbc young musician 2016 entry form

Documents