Welcome to the York Early Music International Young Artists Competition. This prestigious longstanding biennial competition for young ensembles takes place at the National Centre for Early Music as part of York Early Music Festival. 

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Recognised as a major international platform for emerging talent in the world of early music, the competition attracts musicians from all over the globe, offering a major boost to young professional careers with opportunities for performance, recording and broadcasting, and international exposure. 

“This competition is definitely one of the musical highlights of the year and Linn Records is very proud to continue this important relationship with the York Early Music Festival and the National Centre for Early Music. Today’s concert illustrated an array of extraordinarily inventive musical talent and I would like to congratulate all eight ensembles who performed today.”
Philip Hobbs, Linn Records

“It was wonderful to welcome these eight ensembles from the UK and Europe to what is always an enriching experience and an amazing opportunity to share music and enhance their skills. I would like to thank everyone who appeared today, once again the standard of performance was of the highest calibre. I would also like to say a huge thank you to our panel of judges for their hard work and support and also to Steven Devine for his expertise and invaluable help.”
Dr Delma Tomlin MBE, Director of the National Centre for Early Music

“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this amazing prize and would like to thank everyone who has supported us – it’s been a wonderful experience.  We’d like to thank all the other ensembles for their encouragement, friendship and brilliant musicianship. We’re looking forward to York and recording with Linn Records in the future.”
Ayres Extemporae, 2024 winners

“We felt so welcomed and taken care of, and your flawless organisation meant we were able to focus entirely on our music making and enjoy the wonderful experience of the festival.”
Liturina, competitors 2022