Britten Pears Young Artist Programme

BPYAP applications

Applications for the 2026–27 programme are now closed.

Application guidelines

The Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (BPYAP) was founded in 1972 by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. It continues to offer early career professional musicians high-level performance training from some of the world’s finest performers, teachers and creatives. The programme takes place through courses and residencies at our creative campus, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Suffolk.  

We’re delighted to announce that James Baillieu and Ryan Wigglesworth join us as Associate Directors of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme for 2026-2028. Through their artistic leadership, expert knowledge of the sector and passion for developing the next generation, together we can ensure our offer meets the evolving needs of today’s young artists. Part of this will be a new Academy model which is taking centre stage in key moments of our programming. 

We’re looking for outstanding emerging young artists (18 or over) interested in exciting opportunities to further refine their skills and gain valuable input from industry professionals. Generally, BPYAP courses are designed for young artists who are either recent graduates or those who are finishing their formal education. However, there is no fixed upper age limit to apply - being early career can look different for different artists and we embrace those that have taken non-traditional routes in their training.  

Following a BPYAP course, young artists become part of the Britten Pears Arts family and could receive future opportunities within our performance programme, artist development work and outreach-based projects.

There are no course fees, and we cover international and UK travel along with local accommodation in Aldeburgh. There are no application fees. We currently have opportunities for singers, pianists, instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, composers and conductors on our 2026-27 programme.

Applications for the 2026–27 programme are now closed. 

The BPYAP was one the most beautiful experiences for me as an artist and as a human being. Being surrounded by the peaceful nature in Snape Maltings and creatively working in such a supportive environment with so much mutual respect and appreciation among the artists, tutors and BPA staff was really special.

Britten Pears Young Artist 2025–26

2026–27 Courses

Britten Pears Summer Academy

Explore masterworks of the 20th and 21st centuries under the guidance of Ryan Wigglesworth and our faculty of internationally renowned visiting artists. The Britten Pears Summer Academy invites emerging pianists and string quartets to join us for two weeks of intensive study and performance opportunities.
Man wearing a blue sweater standing beside students at a piano and talking.

Britten Pears Festival Academy

Devised and led by James Baillieu, inviting Nicky Spence, Julia Faulkner and Caroline Dowdle as tutors, this course will give young artists full immersion in the Aldeburgh Festival, performance opportunities and supported study on their favourite song repertoire. Open to singers and collaborative pianists.

Composition and Performance

Led by Helen Grime, Colin Matthews, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Claire Booth, this uniquely collaborative course will bring together performers and composers to create new work while exploring key repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries. Open to composers, singers, pianists, instrumentalists, and an assistant conductor.

Chamber Music in Residence

A series of two-week residencies for established chamber ensembles, offering time and space to develop as a group at our creative campus in the Suffolk countryside. A residency will include two performances in our long-established Friday lunchtime concert series at Aldeburgh’s Jubilee Hall.

Learn more about being a Britten Pears Young Artist:

Adia Evans

Liucilė Vilimaitė

Trio Brontë

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  3. Britten Pears Young Artists, 2025–26

We are so grateful to our supporters, without whom none of our work would be possible. Visit our Thank you page to find out more.