Young Concert Artists is one of the world's preeminent career-launching organizations for exceptional emerging musicians. Since 1961 YCA has been at the forefront of discovering and launching the careers of the future leading figures of classical music worldwide — among them Emanuel Ax, Julia Bullock, Anne Akiko Meyers, Jeremy Denk, Ray Chen, Anne-Marie McDermott, Richard Goode, Jennifer Johnson Cano, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Kevin Puts, Pinchas Zukerman, Tokyo String Quartet, Randall Goosby, 2025 Van Cliburn Winner Aristo Sham, and many more.
Named for YCA’s founder, the annual Susan Wadsworth International Auditions draw hundreds of the most exceptional young musicians from around the world to compete for the life-changing opportunity to join the YCA roster. Each year, through three rounds of rigorous auditions, three to four winners are chosen by a jury of distinguished musicians and industry leaders based on YCA’s standard of excellence.
YCA invests in its artists by providing them with the performance opportunities, tools and infrastructure to take their careers to the highest level. Through a transformative and holistic three-year program, YCA propels musicians to new levels of artistic growth, offering a wealth of resources including comprehensive artist management, concert engagements 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.
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