This wonderful event is open to all YMC musicians! You will have the chance to play solo with an orchestra.
The classes and repertoire have been structured to ensure that as many children as possible can take part at their appropriate level.
If you play a string instrument at YMC, but also learn a wind instrument (or vice versa), you are allowed to enter on both.
The GPM concerto prize is open to all instrumentalists at YMC, and this year, it is also open to any students of YMC teachers. It will take place on 7th June 2026 with a prize winners concert on 21st June both in the HGS Free Church.
YMC is absolutely thrilled that the distinguished cellist Raphael Wallfisch has agreed to adjudicate this event. Some musicians will have the chance to receive a mini masterclass with one of the most celebrated cellist currently performing on the international stage.
Please read the rules and regulations below carefully and enter as soon as you can. You can enter online via the application form. The entry fee of £30 (plus £15 accompanist fee if applicable) can be paid by bank transfer. The deadline for entry is 21st February 2026.
This year’s Concerto prize is special as we are dedicating it to our late Patron Gyorgy Pauk.
Pauk believed strongly that children and young musicians need to be exposed to meaningful and high-quality compositions early in their lives. In his latest masterclass, which he gave for YMC students, he asked particularly for performances of major works of respectable composers – in his words: “No lollypops please”. The concerto prize this year will honour his ethos. Works like Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, as well as compositions by Schumann, Fauré, Grazyna Bacewicz and similar composers, and of course pieces by Bartók, who was very close to György Pauk’s heart, will be on the repertoire list for this year’s event.
Here is some music for the string category which can be downloaded:
Violin 7 years and under
Violin 9 years and under
Viola 7 years and under
YMC – past competition events
YMC Silent Scores 2023 Prizewinners
YMC 2022 Prizewinners Concert
Prize Winners Concert 2022
Joe Nezu, Scene de Ballet by Beriot with YMC CP orchestra summer 2021 Prize winners cocnert
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