Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award 2018

The Arts Club - Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award 2018 deadline for Entries 8 February 2018!

Following the success of last year’s award, which was won by cellist Jamal Aliyev, The Arts Club in association with Classic FM is pleased to announce details of the fourth competition.

The panel, chaired by Sir Karl Jenkins, comprises Sam Jackson, Managing Editor of Classic FM; Phil Noyce, Deputy Managing Editor of Classic FM; music educationalist, Carol Barratt; Chairman of City Music Society, Leslie East; Dr. Alexander Buhr, Managing Director of Decca Classical Label Group and clarinettist, Emma Johnson.

They are on the lookout for the most talented instrumentalist in the UK, aged between 18 to 25.

The winner will be awarded the prize of £4,000 and the opportunity to make a recording of a short repertoire piece of their choosing, as well as a short work especially composed by Sir Karl, to be recorded in a London studio and played on Classic FM. The runner-up will receive a cash prize of £1,000.

Submissions will be reviewed by Sir Karl and Lady Carol (Barratt) in conjunction with a consultation panel of internationally renowned soloists covering every instrumental group: trumpeter Alison Balsom, harpist Catrin Finch, percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, clarinettist Emma Johnson and violinist Tasmin Little.

Twelve candidates will be chosen to compete in the first live competition round on Saturday 10 March, where candidates will be judged upon technique, individualism, communication and future potential, leaving just six finalists to perform in the final on Saturday 24 March.

Both events will be held at The Arts Club in London.  

Sir Karl Jenkins CBE D.Mus. FRAM LRAM has this mission statement: ‘My award, in conjunction with The Arts Club and in association with Classic FM, has been created to acknowledge and celebrate the classical musicians of the future. I was privileged to have studied at grammar school, university and the Royal Academy of Music at a time when music education, including instrumental tuition, was free to all. This is no longer the case and it frustrates me that recent governments, of all persuasions, have failed to invest in the musical future of our society. I am therefore more passionate than ever about championing young musicians and ensuring that great talent is given an opportunity to shine.’

Information and details about how to apply

Image: Karl Jenkins with last year’s winner Jamal Aliyev and runner-up Hyun-gi Lee.