*
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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd