1 – 14 August 2026

“The time and space to focus deeply on our quartet work was incredibly valuable. The environment was truly inspiring, offering a sense of calm and reflection that enriched our rehearsals and musical process. The coaching sessions were both musically insightful and personally uplifting.”

Britten Pears Young Artist Ensemble 2025–26

The Britten Pears Summer Academy is designed to nurture and support outstanding early-career string quartets and pianists who are ready to take the next step in their development. Core chamber music repertoire – specifically string quartets, piano quintets, and works for two pianists – will be explored under the guidance of our expert tutors. The principal focus will be on music of the 20th and 21st centuries, though there will also be opportunities to study and perform works from earlier periods.

The course is ideally suited to high-level musicians who possess natural curiosity, a keen desire to collaborate with fellow artists, and strong motivation to develop their knowledge of the specified repertoire. The aim of the Academy is to help equip and prepare participants for the rigours of a professional career in performance. 

The course will be led by Ryan Wigglesworth, alongside an exceptional faculty of internationally renowned musicians.

String players will work principally – though not exclusively – on the six string quartets of Béla Bartók. They will be coached by the acclaimed Kelemen Quartet, who have undertaken intensive study of these works for several years.

Pianists will work with James Baillieu, Dame Imogen Cooper, and Steven Osborne. The primary emphasis will be on collaborative performance (with both string players and fellow pianists), though there will also be opportunities to explore solo repertoire in masterclasses and private coaching sessions.

Further faculty members will be announced in due course.

During the two weeks, all performers will participate in composition workshops, working with composers drawn from the BPYAP alumni network, who will produce new pieces under the guidance of Julian Anderson and Ryan Wigglesworth.  

Young artists will receive intensive coaching, take part in masterclasses, and be given multiple performance opportunities. Specific areas of study for the string players will include the Bartók quartets; for pianists, Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion and Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du printemps (in the composer’s version for four hands). Alongside these core works, participants will have the scope to develop their own programme of study. Collaboration between string players and pianists will be particularly encouraged.

Workshops with composers will offer performers invaluable insights into the compositional process and help develop their ability to assimilate and interpret new works. 

You will need to be at Snape Maltings for the full duration of the course 1 – 14 August 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 are accepting applications from pre-formed string quartets who have been working together for at least two years and have substantial performance experience. Pianists should be accomplished solo artists with a strong interest in chamber music collaborations. All applicants should demonstrate ability in, and commitment to, repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries.  

Applications are now closed.