Cowbridge Music Festival has unveilled plans for its 2024 Young Artist Programme, which showcases the remarkable talents of Wales' emerging musicians.

This year's Young Ensembles will be the Cardiff-based Bute Wind Quintet, and RWCMD graduates Quartet Draig.

Speaking about the programme, Festival Co-Artistic Director Rosalind Ventris said: "We believe in providing a platform where promising artists can flourish, learn, and share their artistry with a wider audience.

"Through our Young Artist Programme, we offer performance opportunities, masterclasses, coaching sessions, and mentorship to empower these musicians with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their musical careers. We are also proud to showcase their exceptional musicianship and invest in the future of classical music."

Festival Co-Artistic Director Joseph Fort added: "Each year, our Young Artist Programme brings fresh and exciting talent to the forefront. We are particularly excited to announce Bute Wind Quintet and Quartet Draig to programme this year, both of whom represent the bright future of classical music in Wales and beyond.

"Supporting young musicians at the start of their careers is incredibly rewarding. We look forward to working closely with these artists and helping them to achieve their full potential through our comprehensive programme."

2024 Young Ensemble: Bute Wind Quintet

Based in Cardiff, this multi-award-winning ensemble promotes contemporary and underperformed chamber music, delivering an uncompromising artistic image to a range of audiences. In addition to their festival performance, the quintet will receive masterclasses from renowned musicians and mentorship in areas such as stage presence and the business aspects of a musical career. 

2024 Young Ensemble: Quartet Draig

Quartet Draig

Quartet Draig formed in 2020 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, won the Albion String Quartet and Bridgewood & Neitzert chamber prizes.

They've performed at the Wigmore Hall (Cavatina Competition, Musicians Company Competition) and were Junior Quartet in Residence at the 2021 ESTA Conference. From 2021-2023, they developed creative programming at Saxon Barn with concerts on various themes to engage broader audiences. 

Cowbridge Music Festival's Young Artist Programme is supported by Mauve Cymru.

For more information about the Cowbridge Music Festival and its Young Artist Programme, visit https://cowbridgemusicfestival.co.uk/