CMF and YCAT Artists

Tuesday 30 September 2014

Several talented RCM musicians have been selected to be artists with the City Music Foundation and Young Classical Artists Trust this year.

RCM pianists Samson Tsoy and Dinara Klinton, and the Foyle-Štšura duo (violin alumnus Michael Foyle and doctoral pianist Maksim Štšura) have all been named as 2014 City Music Foundation (CMF) artists. Selected by a rigorous audition process judged by a distinguished panel of judges, they follow in the footsteps of RCM violinist Mari Poll and folk group Tir Eolas, who were two of last year’s inaugural CMF artists.

The City Music Foundation is one of the UK’s newest music charities and provides classical, jazz and folk musicians with expert mentoring, professional development skills and performance opportunities to help them build successful careers in music.

In addition, Monday 29 September saw RCM pianist Alexander Ullman presented as one of only four new Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) artists at Southbank Centre's Purcell Room, following his success in the YCAT Final Auditions in May.

Alexander says “Being selected for management with YCAT is, I believe, not just exciting but a unique opportunity. This is because it is the perfect platform from which to eventually step forward into professional management; it will allow me to perform a lot more in the UK and abroad and, as my own work schedule gets busier, take from my hands the burden of organising everything (other than the music) myself!”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, YCAT provides a unique stepping stone for exceptional young artists who have the potential for international performing careers. Other YCAT solo artists include recent RCM graduates Ben Baker (violin) and Morgan Pearse (baritone).