Welcome to the YBT Finals 2025!
(Applications close on at midnight, Central European Time, on January 7, 2025)
YBT is looking for five outstanding classical musicians to perform in our competition finals in Flagey, Brussels, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
We are looking for the very, very best. For musicians who are focused on achieving an international reputation as a soloist. Musicians who are more interested in starting their own projects and chamber ensembles, than applying for an orchestral career. If this is you, then we are here to help you on your journey!
Apart from attractive prize money and financial sponsorship, the YBT team, along with our international network of music industry experts, are here to support you. We believe that to reach the top, your outstanding playing skills will not be enough. You will also need unending drive, passion, a mind open to learning and mastering many additional skills (such as studio recording, media presence, financial management, legal contracts and negotiation techniques, to name but a few)! (see more details here) If this seems interesting to you, then great!
All you need to do is:
Block your agenda for the obligatory dates: (8 & 15 March, 22 March, 15 November 2025)
Read the terms and conditions below (these are important because they tell you how the competition works and what you need to prepare etc.) Click the 'Click here to apply' button at the bottom of this page
Terms & Conditions
All our applicants need to meet the following criteria:
Over the age of 15, and under the age of 21, on January 1 2026 (This means born after 1 January 2005 and before 1 January 2010). Sing, or play a musical instrument that is considered part of the classical symphony orchestra and is officially taught in Belgium’s top music conservatoires. We include pianists too! Currently studying at a music conservatoire or academy. Belgian nationality, or domiciled in Belgium
Entry Requirements
All participants must submit a completed registration form (click on the button below) All entries must be submitted before midnight on the 7th. January, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. If in doubt reach out to us.
Notification of passing to the audition round (or not) will take place via email on 8 February, 2025.
Block your agenda:
You must block your agenda for the following dates: 8 & 15 March, 2025 (for the first round auditions - you will be invited to one of the two dates). 22 March, 2025 (For the Five selected finalists only). Your briefing meeting with the YBT Team, photo and video session and a 'get to know you' chat with one of our coaches. 15 November, 202 5 (For the five selected finalists only). Rehearsal & Performance in Flagey, Studio 4, Brussels.
Performance Rules
If selected for the first round auditions, you are advised to choose a minimum of two pieces that combined must not exceed 15 minutes. They should demonstrate your skill as a performer and your musicality. After your performance the Jury will ask you some questions, either of a technical nature in regards to your performance, and / or a variety of possible questions about you, your motivation for entering the competition or other topics. The interview will be approximately 5 minutes in duration. For the audition, you may play from a musical score, should you wish. For the finals, all pieces must be performed from memory unless otherwise agreed in advance. Participants must provide their own accompanists as needed. (Finals only), we strongly recommend that you work with YBT's Artistic Director for the selection of your pieces. However, this is not obligatory. (Finals only) No changes to your agreed repertoire are allowed after the 1st. October 2025.
Judging Criteria (Professional Jury)
Performances will be judged on technical skill, interpretation, musicality, and stage presence. The decisions of the judges are final and cannot be appealed. For the Finals, the judges will vote for their winner in secrecy, without debate. In the event of a tie, they will vote for their 2nd. choice and the person with the most votes overall, will be declared the winner. This process is to ensure absolute fairness and to avoid bias of any kind.
Travel and Accommodation
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. A small compensation for travel costs is possible, upon receipt of valid tickets or proof of milage, within Belgium.
Recording and Broadcasting
(Finals only) YBT vzw reserve the right to record, broadcast, or distribute performances from the Finals. By entering this competition, participants grant permission for such use.
Liability
YBT vzw are not responsible for any lost or damaged materials, or for any injury or loss that occurs during the competition process.
Agreement
By submitting your application form, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
Don't leave it to the last minute!
Applications close at midnight, Central European Time, on January 7, 2025
