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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician of the Year 2026

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland is delighted to announce the launch of our award for young classical musicians for its third year. This award is designed to highlight the wealth of talent in Scotland’s vibrant classical scene.

How to Apply

Closing Date : Noon on Mon 5 January 2026

Fill in the online application form at bbc.co.uk/youngclassical, sending us a 10 min audio recording of your playing and some information about your musical experience so far. Entrants must be aged between 18 and 24 inclusive on Monday 17 November 2025.

Semi-Final : 22 March 2026

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

A panel will select a maximum of 9 players to perform in the semi-finals at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, to an audience of friends and family.

Grand Final : 30 May 2026

City Halls, Glasgow

Three finalists will perform with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

The final will be broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland.

Prizes

The winner will be awarded the title of ‘ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician 2026’ and a performance on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland.

bbc.co.uk/youngclassical

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The 2025 finalists

Three talented finalists joined the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andrew Gourlay to perform in this special event on June 14th 2025. Broadcast live on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Scotland and presented by Jamie MacDougall.

  • Emma Baird - violin
  • Ziheng Huang – alto saxophone
  • Sofia Ros - Bandoneón

Listen on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Sounds

Semi-Finalists

Here's the full list of semi-finalists.

  • Alexander Traykov - Piano
  • Alexandru-Stefan Placinta - Piano
  • Edward Scully – Piano
  • Emma Baird – Violin
  • Finn Mannion – Cello
  • Lucy Rowan - Flute
  • Sofia Ros - Accordion
  • Yenglik Karassartova - Piano
  • Ziheng Huang - Alto Saxophone