BBC Radio 3 to mark 25 years of New Generation Artists

Founded in 1999 to nurture and support some of the world’s finest young instrumentalists, singers and ensembles at the start of their international careers, the BBC’s New Generation Artists (NGA) scheme turns 25 this year. With over 150 alumni, including some of the biggest names in classical music and jazz, it continues to provide young musicians with performance opportunities at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues and festivals, in recital as well as with the BBC orchestras. Regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 ensure that these rising stars are heard by listeners all over the UK, and across Europe through the European Broadcasting Union.

Marking the scheme’s 25th anniversary, Radio 3 presents a day of special programming on Monday 3 March, celebrating current and former NGAs with live and specially-recorded music. Breakfast and Essential Classics will be broadcast live from the BBC’s Maida Vale studios, with exclusive performances by Alim Beisembayev (piano), Elizaveta Ivanova (flute) with Dominic Degavino (piano), Alessandro Fisher (tenor), Ryan Corbett (accordion), Thibaut Garcia (guitar) and Fergus McCreadie (jazz piano). The Calidore Quartet plays Korngold and Beethoven live from London’s Wigmore Hall at 1pm, and Radio 3 in Concert is also live from Wigmore at 7.30pm with a recital by pianist Alexander Gadjiev of music by Debussy, Corigliano, Bartók, Schumann and Rachmaninov. The young German pianist Julius Asal makes his debut with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Elena Schwarz at 3pm with Scriabin’s Piano Concerto, live from Maida Vale studios. In Tune will feature live music from jazz saxophonist and bandleader Emma Rawicz, mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston and violinist Johan Dalene.

Throughout the day listeners will hear specially-recorded messages from alumni, reflecting on their time as NGAs, including baritone Benjamin Appl, trumpeter Alison Balsom, guitarist Rob Luft, violinist Maria Dueñas, collaborative pianist Kunal Lahiry, double bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, and clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe.

Emma Bloxham, BBC Radio 3 Commissioning Editor, Live Music said: “It has been 25 years since Radio 3 began supporting the development of outstanding young artists with a dedicated scheme, and it’s a privilege to witness the continuing evolution of the NGAs’ careers. Our distinguished list of alumni now numbers well over 150, the vast majority of whom are major players on the international music scene and very much part of our ever-expanding BBC NGA family. I’m sure audiences will share in the excitement as we celebrate this milestone year, showcasing the history of the scheme through wonderful performances and strengthening our connections with partners across the UK.”

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, BBC Radio 3 and the New Generation Artists scheme announce new partnerships and strengthened collaborations with the Hallé, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and the Royal Northern College of Music.

• Pianist Julius Asal is the next recipient of the Terence Judd-Hallé Award

Asal follows in the footsteps of NGA pianists Giorgi Gigashvili, Tom Borrow, Alexander Gadjiev and Elisabeth Brauß, winning the coveted award which commemorates the work and tragically short life of Terence Judd, a remarkable talent who passed away in 1979 at the age of 22. After the establishment of a trust in his name, the award has been presented in association with the Hallé since 1982, with notable past recipients including Stephen Hough and Nikolai Lugansky. Relaunched in 2021 as an annual partnership with the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme, the award includes a concerto performance with the Hallé, a chamber recital with Hallé musicians at Hallé St Peter’s, and a solo recital as part of the Manchester Mid-Day Concert Series (all dates to be announced).

• Julius Asal is also the first Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) BBC New Generation Associate

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) in partnership with BBC Radio 3 announces pianist Julius Asal as the inaugural ASMF BBC New Generation Associate. Continuing its long tradition of supporting young artists, the ASMF will offer one NGA each season the unique opportunity to direct the orchestra as a concerto soloist, creating ambitious and collaborative performances that transcend the more traditional conductor-led model. The selected artist will receive coaching and mentoring from ASMF Principal Artist Murray Perahia, culminating in a concert at the orchestra’s historic home, St Martin-in-the-Fields, where ASMF is Principal Orchestral Partner, broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

• Timothy Ridout is the first RNCM/BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Fellow at the Royal Northern College of Music

Part of a second brand new partnership for the NGA scheme, the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester announces viola player Timothy Ridout (BBC NGA 2019-22) as its first RNCM/BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Fellow. Timothy will work with RNCM students throughout the 2025-26 academic year in coaching and mentoring sessions, culminating in a concert as part of the RNCM’s Inspirational Artists series at the end of the year, broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

EC