20 – 27 June 2026

“I am deeply honoured and delighted to be appointed, alongside Ryan Wigglesworth, as inaugural Associate Directors of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme for 2026–2028.

The Britten Pears Programme played a formative role in my own development as a young artist, and it is a profound privilege to return in this new capacity to contribute to its future. I look forward to working closely with Ryan, the Britten Pears Arts team, and the exceptional emerging artists who will take part in the programme – collaborating on its artistic vision, supporting its participants, and helping to shape its ongoing evolution.

This appointment represents a deeply meaningful opportunity to help nurture the next generation of musicians within the creative and inspiring context that Britten and Pears established. I am excited to bring my experience, connections, and ideas to the role, and to be part of an ambitious new chapter in the life of this distinguished programme." 

James Baillieu

The Britten Pears Festival Academy, positioned to take place during the Aldeburgh Festival, offers high-level coaching, performance and masterclass opportunities, designed and led by Artistic Director James Baillieu. Young artists will intensely study song repertoire they feel most suitable for them as artistic personalities and will be supported through private and open coaching, whilst being immersed in the atmosphere and professional connections that come with the Aldeburgh Festival. The course will also support young artists with creative programming, an invaluable skill for any artist. 

The course will be led by the Festival Academy’s artistic director, esteemed song and chamber music pianist, James Baillieu. He is joined by a celebrated faculty of some of the world’s leading voice tutors: tenor Nicky Spence, pianist and vocal coach Caroline Dowdle, and soprano Julia Faulkner.

“The connections and friendly atmosphere, together with splendid teachers, were very valuable to me as a professional. Snape Maltings is the best place I’ve seen so far for combining participation in masterclasses and practicing.”

Britten Pears Young Artist 2025–26

This course will include public masterclasses, open coaching & private tuition from the course tutors and group sessions covering topics such as career advice, performance psychology and vocal health. 

Young artists will work together to devise the programme for a Festival recital at Aldeburgh Church, followed by an evening cabaret-style performance at the Pumphouse with Nicky Spence.  

You will need to be at Snape Maltings for the full duration of the course, 20 – 27 June 2026.

There are no course fees and we will cover travel costs, accommodation and provide most meals. Additionally, we have a limited budget to provide financial support, including help with childcare costs or removing barriers to access. 

We’re accepting applications from singers (any voice type) and collaborative pianists who have experience of working with singers.  

We encourage applications from preformed voice and piano duos, but both artists will need to make separate applications. Applications will be reviewed individually but there will be a space to indicate your duo partner if applicable. Preformed duos will be paired together for the course if they are both successful. 

Applications are now closed.