Britten–Pears Young Artist Programme
Courses for emerging professional singers, instrumentalists and composers led by high-profile musicians
The Britten–Pears Young Artist Programme was founded over 40 years ago by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears to provide high-level performance training for the world’s best emerging professional musicians.
Residential projects and masterclasses take place throughout the year in the beautiful surroundings of the Suffolk Coast where Britten lived and worked. Participants benefit from an exceptional campus of performance spaces and studios, which has grown around the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall, home of the Aldeburgh Festival. The BPYAP hosts some of the premier performers and teachers who lead intensive projects, which culminate in high profile performances.
We charge a non-refundable application fee of 50 US dollars, but thanks to the generous support of donors, there are no tuition fees on BPYAP courses and additionally we cover accommodation and most travel costs. There is no upper age limit, but we expect that most Young Artists will be at least 18 years old and either current students or recent graduates of a major music performance or composition degree course.
Applications currently closed
Applications for all courses are now closed. New courses will be announced towards the end of August. Look at the bottom of this page for other opportunities for artists we offer.
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Look back at photos, video and information about previous courses in this archive, which is still quite new but growing all the time.
Contact
To get in touch, email britten-pears@snapemaltings.co.uk.
Courses for 2018
Please note that participants for all courses except Chamber Music in Residence have been selected and applications for these courses are closed.
Handel: Theodora
Sarah Connolly mezzo soprano • Christian Curnyn conductorMore info
In the first course of 2018, renowned British Handelians Sarah Connolly and Christian Curnyn work on a concert performance of this dramatic oratorio.
The 21st Century Singer
10 – 16 June 2018More info
Reflect on the present and explore the future of singing with John Fisher, Julia Faulkner and Matthew Rose.
Classical Song
17 – 24 June 2018More info
Grammy-award winning mezzo soprano Anne Sofie von Otter and Kristian Bezuidenhout join forces with the leaders of ‘The 21st Century Singer’.
Brass Elements
1 – 7 July 2018More info
Three of Britain’s top brass players (principals of the Nash Ensemble, Philharmonia and London Philharmonic Orchestras respectively) lead a wide-ranging course for the modern brass player.
Britten–Pears Orchestra
28 July – 12 August 2018More info
The BPO meets once again under the baton of Marin Alsop to record and perform works by Prokofiev, Saint-Saëns, and Ravel, before tackling one of the best-loved ballets in the repertoire, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.
Orchestral Conducting
31 July – 12 August 2018More info
Our first dedicated conducting course gives aspiring young conductors the chance to work 1:1 with Marin Alsop, ground-breaking Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
Composition, Alternative Performance and Performance Art
13 – 24 August 2018More info
Gather with other creative musicians to examine varied approaches to composition and make new music.
Wolf Lieder
1 – 7 October 2018More info
Talented singers and pianists join Roger Vignoles and other expert coaches in a multidimensional approach to the Lieder of Hugo Wolf.
Transatlantic Encounters
14 – 21 October 2018More info
International string and keyboard-based ensembles explore diverse approaches to their art with an eminent group of chamber musicians including Alasdair Tait and Isabel Charisius.
Chamber Music in Residence
More infoRunning between January and Easter each year, this series offers exceptional emerging ensembles space for intensive rehearsal and mentoring opportunities.
Other opportunities for artists
As part of our uniquely integrated Artist Development programme, there are many more ways to hone your performance or develop new work at Snape Maltings.
Tunnard Artists Every year an exceptional pianist with a focus on repetiteur work will be chosen to benefit from a bespoke development programme at Snape Maltings.
Snape Residencies offer professional artists at all stages of their career the chance to take time out to develop new work or try new collaborations.
Open Space For emerging individual artists and ensembles, this scheme provides bespoke support for up to three years.
To get in touch, email britten-pears@snapemaltings.co.uk or sign up to our mailing list.