Applications are now open for the Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition 2023, our showcase for outstanding and talented young classical musicians in Kent.

Supported by the Canterbury Festival Foundation, the competition is an opportunity for young musicians and vocalists to develop their practice, perform as part of the Festival programme and compete for a Bursary of up to £1,000. In addition, we are now delighted to announce that Canterbury Orchestra will be supporting the winner’s professional development with an amazing opportunity.

Canterbury Orchestra will offer the winner the opportunity to perform with them as a soloist at one of their public concerts in Canterbury in 2024. The choice of music and the specific concert date will be agreed between the Orchestra and winner as soon as possible after the competition. As players themselves, the members of the Orchestra know that one of the main ambitions of young musicians is to perform with an orchestra as soloist and that such opportunities are hard to find.

The competition has two categories: The Junior category offers professional performance experience for musicians aged 12-14, and the Senior category for musicians aged 15-18 and individuals aged under 25 with special educational needs, to compete for the Bursary of £1,000, along with the opportunity to perform with The Canterbury Orchestra.

The deadline for submissions has been extended to 12 May. Find out more, download an application form and find out more here.