The Britten Pears Young Artist Programme was founded in 1972 by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. Now celebrating its 50th year, 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 formal training or are finishing their education. There is no formal 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.

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

Rainbow Dickinson Trust

Richard Cave Trust

Ruth Common

Tim and Lizzie-Boo Llewellyn

The Nicholson Family in memory of Patricia Nicholson

Viola Tunnard Trust

Scarfe Charitable Trust

and the BPYAP Associates