BBC Young Musician Final 2026

We look to the future of classical music with the Final of BBC Young Musician 2026, as three exceptional young instrumentalists compete for the coveted title. From initial entries of over 260, three finalists will each perform a full concerto with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with internationally renowned conductor Alpesh Chauhan. At the end of the evening one finalist will be named BBC Young Musician 2026. Presented by broadcaster and writer Petroc Trelawny, the jury for the Grand Final will include critically acclaimed pianist Joanna MacGregor, award-winning conductor Ben Gernon, plus a special surprise judge. The long-running and much-loved biennial competition has been celebrating up-and-coming musical talents from across the UK for five decades, launching the careers of international stars such as cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, saxophonist Jess Gillam, pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, and violinist Nicola Benedetti. This concert will be recorded for broadcast on Sun 1 November on BBC Two & iPlayer, BBC Radio 3 & BBC Sounds.