*
banner

BBC Young Musician Competition returns

The BBC's flagship music competition returns to the airwaves.

BBC Young Musician
  The bi-annual competition returns this month

The BBC Young Musician 2024 competition returns to television, radio and digital airwaves this month on BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Radio 3, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Ashman win

The bi-annual event was won in 2022 by percussionist Jordan Ashman, who was a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and has since gone on to perform with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and The Band of the Royal Marines as well as a number of leading brass bands.

This year the coemption will be introduced by saxophonist Jess Gillam who will host the weekly Sunday broadcasts culminating in the Grand Final on BBC Two on Sunday 20th October.

50 musicians

50 musicians are currently going through the live audition process with 12 proceeding to the quarter finals and sic to the semi finals to be held at The Great Hall at Swansea University (Bay Campus).

Amongst the judges this year are trumpeter Alison Balsom, pianist Alexis Ffrench and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Catherine Jones.

Brilliant young artists

Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, said: "Since 1978, BBC Young Musician has been showcasing the very best classical performers from across the UK.

It is a privilege to be able to offer a springboard for these brilliant young artists at the start of their careers, shining a light on their extraordinary talent as they take those first crucial steps on to the global classical music stage.

These are the stars of tomorrow, who BBC audiences will get the chance to be dazzled by as they embark on what are certain to be glittering careers ahead."

These are the stars of tomorrow, who BBC audiences will get the chance to be dazzled by as they embark on what are certain to be glittering careers aheadSuzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV

Schedule:

BBC Four & iPlayer:

Sunday 29th September: quarter finals
Sunday 6th October: quarter finals
Sunday 13th October: semi-final
Sunday 20th October: grand final

BBC Two & iPlayer:

Sunday 20th October: highlights from the grand final

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd