Funding Awarded to Britten Pears Arts: Britten Pears Arts Young Artist Programme

Jerwood Foundation has renewed its support for the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (BPYAP) through a grant of £50,000 over two years, building on its long-standing relationship with Britten Pears Arts.

 

The BPYAP is the UK’s longest-running training programme for early career classical musicians. Based at Snape Maltings in Suffolk, BPYAP provides intensive residential courses for around 90 singers, pianists, instrumentalists, ensembles, composers and conductors each year. This grant will support the delivery of seven courses led by world-renowned artists, with performance opportunities built into each course, including at the Aldeburgh Festival. The funding will help ensure that young artists can access this exceptional training without paying course fees, supporting their artistic development and future careers.

 

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee, Jerwood Foundation, said:

I am delighted that the Foundation is offering this support to Britten Pears Arts, with which we have such a long-standing and valued relationship. This significant grant of £50,000 for the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme underlines Jerwood Foundation’s ongoing commitment to excellence and emerging talent in the arts in the UK.

Matthew Walker, Programme Manager, Britten Pears Young Artist Programme, said:

This continued support from Jerwood Foundation comes as we enter a new stage for the programme, with James Baillieu and Ryan Wigglesworth joining BPYAP as Associate Directors. Their insights and networks will allow us to provide a new level of opportunity to young artists and alumni.

Founded by Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten in 1972, the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme has a distinguished track record in artist development. Thousands of early career musicians have taken part in the programme, with many going on to establish leading careers in the classical music sector.

 

For further information, please visit Britten Pears Arts.

July 7, 2026