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. 

Are you an early music ensemble
(minimum 3 members)?

Is the average age of your members 32 years or under (individuals aged 36 and under)?

Do you focus on historically informed performance practice and play repertory of any period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century on period instruments?

The closing date for applications is 13 January 2021. Full details of how to apply will be posted in the autumn.

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The pre-competition stage will be judged by video recording and selected ensembles invited to come to York from 14 - 17 July 2021.

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The 2021 international panel of judges will include Dominique Visse, Rachel Podger and Philip Hobbs of Linn Records.

“Winning the York competition was an extremely important and prestigious recognition of our career, and taking part was an immensely joyful experience.” L’Apothéose, 2019 winners