Applications for the 2024-25 programme are now closed.

All applications are currently being reviewed by our panel of internationally recognised artists alongside artist development staff at Britten Pears Arts. A list of all our reviewers, and full information on the reviewing process can be found here.

We will provide results to all applicants by 18:00 (UK Time) on Friday 26 April 2024. Following this, feedback on all applications will be sent out by Friday 31 May 2024

The Britten Pears Young Artist Programme was founded in 1972 by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. It continues to offer early career professional musicians the opportunity for high-level performance training by the world’s finest performers, teachers and creatives. The programme takes place through courses and residencies at our creative campus, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Suffolk.

We look for outstanding emerging young artists (18+) who are looking for exciting opportunities to further refine their skills and gain valuable input from industry professionals. Generally, Young Artists come to our courses once they have either graduated from formal training or are finishing their education. There is no fixed upper age limit; being early career can look different for different artists and we embrace those that have taken a non-traditional route with starting their career. Young Artists become part of our family of artists, and could include future opportunities within performance, artist development and community-based projects on a case-by-case basis.

We currently have opportunities for singers, collaborative pianists, chamber ensembles, instrumentalists, composers and an assistant conductor. There are no course fees, and we cover international and UK travel, accommodation in Aldeburgh and provide most meals.

“Being a Britten Pears Young Artist has been the development opportunity of a lifetime. I am so grateful to have had the immense privilege of partaking in what has been the most transformative week of my life. There is absolutely something magical in the air at Snape Maltings.”

Britten Pears Young Artist 2023-24

“I found the week both incredibly enjoyable and deeply inspiring. We had the space to explore hidden gems of contemporary music in an environment that was challenging, supportive, inclusive and great fun!”

Britten Pears Young Artist 2022-23

We are so grateful to our supporters, without whom none of our work would be possible. Visit Support us to find out how you can help.

Supporters contributing toward the 2023-24 Britten Pears Young Artist Programme include:

Anthony and Barbadee Meyer Song Bursary

Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne

Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust

Chandos Memorial Trust

The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Elizabeth Harwood Memorial Trust

Felicity Guinness

H Steven and PE Wood Charitable Trust

John Lawrence Field Memorial Trust

Kirstene Baillie

Medd Bursary

Professor Sir Barry Ife

The Rainbow Dickinson Trust

Richard Cave Trust

Ruth Common

The Steel Charitable Trust

Tim and Lizzie-Boo Llewellyn

The Nicholson Family in memory of Patricia Nicholson

Viola Tunnard Trust

Scarfe Charitable Trust

and the BPYAP Associates