Since our founding in 1961, Young Concert Artists has helped young musicians find their way onto the world’s concert stages. We are celebrating 60 years of innovative career-building and artistic nurturing, shining the spotlight on the next generation of extraordinary musicians. YCA began in an era when young artists had nowhere to turn for guidance in a professional capacity. Having championed soloists, ensembles, and composers; YCA has now helped launch nearly 300 careers.
New Works
We’ve proudly commissioned six YCA composers to commemorate six decades. Each composition will receive its premiere performance this season! Don’t miss new works by Mason Bates (2000), Daniel Kellogg (2002), Andrew Norman (2007), Tonia Ko (2015), Katie Balch (2017), and Saad Haddad (2019)!
Conversations
Six YCA alumni and current artists will join host Kai Talim as featured guests on a Skip the Repeat podcast. Learn about the experience of these young musicians building their careers through these intimate conversations. For dates and more information, please visit www.skiptherepeat.com
60 Stories for 60 Years
Throughout the year we will bring you video stories as YCA artists and alumni talk about their time on the roster, and offer tributes to Susan Wadsworth.
60th Anniversary Gala
Please join us on Monday, October 4, to celebrate Young Concert Artists’ distinguished history and commemorate YCA Founder, Susan Wadsworth, with an unforgettable Gala evening of music and memories – featuring stars from YCA’s past and present! We hope you will join us as a member of the Gala Benefit Committee. Learn more.
The YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions
To recognize 60 years of tireless work helping young musicians and the unique vision she infused into this organization’s mission, YCA has officially established a campaign to name the annual auditions process in YCA Founder, Susan Wadsworth’s honor.
The auditions represent the heart and soul of YCA. In order to ensure that the auditions remain vital for years to come, the campaign to establish The YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions seeks to raise $2,500,000 through new legacy gifts and donations. If you would like to pay tribute to Susan and support the campaign, you can find out more here.