For 65 years Young Concert Artists has stood at the forefront of discovering and launching the careers of the future leaders of classical music. Founded by Susan Wadsworth in 1961, YCA has invested in its artists by providing them with the tools, opportunities, and infrastructure to take their careers to the highest level.
YCA believes that successful modern musicians are more than gifted and highly-trained – they are cultural ambassadors who are well-equipped to bring new reach and relevance to the art form and inspire the widest possible audience.
The annual YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions draw the most exceptional young musicians from around the world for the chance to join the YCA roster and receive the YCA Jacobs Fellowship. This transformative three-year program propels musicians to new levels of artistic growth, offering a holistic combination of resources including comprehensive artist management, performance opportunities at top venues around the globe, and YCA-presented debut recitals in New York City and Washington, DC. YCA connects its artists to a far-reaching network, opening doors and fostering key relationships that fundamentally change the trajectory of their careers.
With a legacy of artistic excellence recognized around the world, YCA alumni include such luminaries as Emanuel Ax, Julia Bullock, Anne Akiko Meyers, Jeremy Denk, Ray Chen, Anne-Marie McDermott, Richard Goode, Zlatomir Fung, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Kevin Puts, Pinchas Zukerman, Randall Goosby, Sasha Cooke, and many more.
Young Concert Artists has completely changed my life. They have given me the only thing I have ever wanted – a chance. I now feel confident enough to be the musician I know I can be and to believe in my own artistic voice.
After only being on the roster for about 6 months, I have received an incredible amount of support and career guidance.
— Steven Banks, saxophone
Winner of the 2019 Auditions
There is nothing more valuable to a young artist than the chance to perform. Professionally, there is no substitute for the experience of being on stage and learning how to develop your musicianship, artistry, and expression in front of an audience. YCA gives its artists an abundance of these opportunities in ways that few other organizations can match - by presenting each of us in debut on the YCA series, and providing us with full management services and copious concert engagements.
— Aristo Sham, piano
Winner of the 2018 Auditions / 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist
I am more grateful to Young Concert Artists than I can ever express; it is because of them that I am able to make music today.
— Emanuel Ax, piano
Winner of the 1973 Auditions