Applications are now open for the Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition 2023. Supported by the Canterbury Festival Foundation, the competition is an opportunity for talented young classical musicians and vocalists to develop their practice, perform as part of the Festival programme and compete for an annual bursary of up to £1,000 to be used for artistic development.

The Bursary Competition has grown in popularity every year since its inception in 2011, and each year, showcases the outstanding talent of Kent’s young musicians.

The competition exists to support excellence in talented young musicians across Kent and has two categories. The Junior category offers professional performance experience for musicians aged 12-14, and the Senior for musicians aged 15-18 who are eligible to compete for a cash bursary of up to £1,000 which they can put towards new instruments, tuition, courses, or international trips. We also encourage applications from individuals aged under 25 with special educational needs. 

The winner, announced each year at the annual Bursary concert as part of the main Canterbury Festival programme, also becomes the Festival’s Ambassador for the Arts, developing skills through leading workshops alongside performing in various Festival events throughout the year.

Applications for the Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition 2023 are now open, the deadline for submissions has been extended to 12 May 2023

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend auditions taking place at Kent College on Thursday 29 June, 5-7pm. Please download the application pack below:

For more information, please contact [email protected]