YCAT is thrilled to unveil the recipients of our inaugural Composer Fellowship, in memory of Hans Keller, a new initiative aimed at nurturing and supporting composers who are establishing their careers. In collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Society, and supported by the Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust, YCAT has selected two exceptionally talented British composers to participate in this exciting programme.

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The Composer Fellow, selected annually, will receive a commission to write two short chamber works for specific YCAT artists. Selected composers will have the opportunity to work closely with each artist throughout the composition process, fostering meaningful relationships that could extend beyond the duration of the Fellowship. The works will be premiered across several regional UK performances, culminating in a YCAT Wigmore Hall lunchtime recital, professionally recorded for promotional purposes.  

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The first YCAT Composer Fellow, in memory in Hans Keller and supported by the Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust, is Electra Perivolaris, a composer and pianist from Scotland whose music draws inspiration from her mixed British and Greek heritage. Her talent has been lauded by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 3, positioning her as a rising star in the classical music landscape. Electra comments:

I am delighted to have been awarded the YCAT Composer Fellowship in its inaugural year. The opportunity to collaborate and create new music for exciting YCAT musicians with emerging careers on the concert stage will be not only hugely rewarding, but will help to further develop my craft as a composer.

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In celebration of its 40th anniversary, YCAT will offer an additional Fellowship for the inaugural year. Commissioned by YCAT and the Royal Philharmonic Society in memory of Colin Clark, the composer selected for this Fellowship will write a short work for mixed chamber ensemble. This will be performed in February 2025 as part of YCATs 40th anniversary celebration tour of major European Concert Halls, featuring both current and past YCAT artists, including a UK premiere at the Wigmore Hall.

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James B. Wilson, an award-winning composer of contemporary classical music, has been selected as the recipient of this special commission. The first ever composer commissioned by the Chineke! Orchestra, James continues to collaborate with great artists around the world following his studies with Gary Carpenter and David Sawer at the Royal Academy of Music. James comments:

I feel so fortunate to have received this exciting Composer Fellowship and the opportunity of writing a piece in celebration of YCAT’s 40 years in support of young artists. Long may their work continue.

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The selected composers will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of young international soloists and ensembles, bringing us exciting new works whilst fostering long term, meaningful creative relationships. Alasdair Tait, CEO & Artistic Director of YCAT, reflects on the new programme:

This is an exciting new step for YCAT and I am so excited about the potential to bring artists together with some of our most creative young British composers. This is also a tremendous opportunity for the artists to collaborate fully in the creation of personal new works, carrying them forward throughout the rest of their performing lives.

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The Composer Fellowship underscores YCAT's dedication to nurturing artistic excellence and innovation in classical music. Through this programme, YCAT continues to uphold its mission of empowering young musicians to captivate audiences worldwide with their exceptional talent and creativity.

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Learn more about Electra

Learn more about James

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Photo (Electra) © Ivan Gonzalez

Photo (James) © Beth Walsh Photography/Orchestras Live/Nottinghamshire Share Sound

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