Leeds Lieder Young Artists 2020

Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th April 2020

Our Masterclasses have always been one of the highlights of the annual Festival. Building on this success, in 2020 we are inviting 10 duos, aged 30 years or under, to become Leeds Lieder Young Artists and immerse themselves in the Festival.

There will be opportunities to work closely with either Dame Felicity Lott, Sir Thomas Allen, Ann Murray DBE or Iain Burnside, who will share their experiences of working on the international stage and explore the special ensemble relationship of voice and piano. The Leeds Lieder Young Artists will also take part in a live-streamed concert, with further opportunities to perform in the late night Lieder Lounge, and will receive free tickets to all Festival events featuring artists such as James Gilchrist, Graham Johnson, Jennifer Johnston, Soraya Mafi, Joseph Middleton, James Newby, Carolyn Sampson, Siobhan Stagg and Roderick Williams.

We are committed to nurturing young talent and our knowledgeable, generous and discerning audiences value the opportunity to follow the careers of our young artists. For the first time, Leeds Lieder Young Artists may also be invited to take part in future Leeds Lieder Concert Seasons, alongside an already established tradition of Ferrier and Wigmore International Song Competition Prize Winners and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists.

Guidance for applicants:

  • Duos are asked to submit a recording of three contrasting songs of their choice (one in German, one in English and one in another language) for consideration by the selection committee.  
  • We regret we are only able to accept recordings electronically, preferably via a YouTube link.  
  • Please return completed application form, with recording, to the Festival Office by Friday 31 Jan 2020.
  • Successful applicants will be notified w/c 17 Feb 2020 and must be able to attend the entire Festival. Accommodation will be provided but Young Artists will be responsible for their own travel.

The fee of £200 per participant is payable by 16 Mar 2020.

Apply here –