Talent and quality, this is what we are looking for. And if this is there, then maybe we can do something to help … It is a great joy when you see that something that can be done for somebody else produces a really good, positive, effective result.

Ilaria Borletti Buitoni

BBT Artists funding helps outstanding young musicians to develop and sustain international careers, with a bespoke programme of tailor-made projects and wider support. Considering the value of a BBT award to be far greater than the direct financial assistance it offers, the Trust aims to provide advice, guidance, contacts and PR in support of artists’ BBT-funded projects.

Working in partnership with artist managers, concert promoters, broadcasters, publishers and record companies, the Trust endeavours to nurture selected musicians by encouraging their musical growth and providing an extended platform of opportunities which help gain them greater public recognition. Winners are profiled on BBT’s website, with project-specific PR, and via BBT’s e-newsletters and social media.

BBT Artists grants were first announced in 2003 and are now awarded in every even-numbered year. Over the years since, BBT has made over 125 awards that have supported the developing careers of more than 200 artists. This support has funded numerous commissions and recordings; concerts and touring plans; new photoshoots, websites and territory-specific PR; new instruments, bows, strings or concert dress; language coaching for singers; the provision of rehearsal space for ensembles; and research and development time, study and travel costs. BBT also offers assistance in finding management and making introductions to broadcasters and record labels.

The Trust gives Awards and Fellowships to instrumentalists, singers and chamber groups who may be of any nationality. Candidates should be in their early 20s up to 33 (for instrumentalists) and 35 (for singers and chamber groups) and they may already have an agent representing them.

In addition to the quality of their performances, the Trust is looking for artists with ‘something to say’, who might also have some chamber music experience. The selected musicians will be expected to enter into dialogue with the Trust as to how they feel they can most effectively be supported. They receive a budget which they can draw upon (usually over a three-year period) to finance any projects or requirements they need in order to enhance their future careers. This is agreed in liaison with BBT’s Chief Executive, who can advise and help them achieve their goals.

BBT Awards, currently up to a value of £30,000, are given to artists or ensembles whom the Artistic Committee perceive as being performers of great quality and musicianship. Their careers are usually quite well-established and the Trust hopes their BBT budget will assist them in developing their long-term careers.

BBT Fellowships, currently up to a value of £20,000, are usually awarded to artists or ensembles who are at the earlier stages of their career and the Trust hopes their BBT budget will help them develop their future potential.

A Special Award may be given to an artist or ensemble that requires support in a specific area, for example with studies, commissioning or chamber music.

For more information about the selection procedure for BBT Artist Awards and Fellowships, click <here>

Selection procedure

I still vividly remember the day I received the wonderful news about my BBT Fellowship. In that moment I felt several emotions: happiness, satisfaction and gratitude. Consistent economic support for the advancement of one’s own career is a dream for any artist. Pretty soon my life (and my vision of it) changed; not only could I realise projects that would otherwise be inconceivable, but BBT also helped my development both artistically and as a person. I would define BBT as a family because it gave me the chance to meet people who are always ready to help, listen, and advise. I will be grateful to them forever. Humanity, the support of beauty, and good values are the foundation of this organisation and that is why I wish every artist could have the gift of a family like this!

Alessio Pianelli (Fellowship 2018)

The Trust is unable to accept direct applications from individuals or representatives for BBT Artists awards and no direct approach may be made to any of the trustees or members of the Artistic Committee.

BBT’s selection procedure is central to its ethos, success and integrity. Every two years, the Trust invites confidential nominations from a carefully selected and comprehensive list of people and organisations. These nominators are chosen by the Artistic Committee, and include internationally recognised musicians, artistic administrators, intendants of concert halls, heads of music with broadcasting networks, festival and orchestra directors. These nominators are invited to nominate a young artist or ensemble for consideration and a long list is drawn up solely on the basis of recommendations received from these Nominators.

Nominated artists and ensembles are then asked to provide:

• a biography;
• audio recordings, preferably in live performance, to include works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann or Brahms, amongst other repertoire;
• their date of birth;
• for chamber groups, the date that the ensemble was formed.

Each member of the Artistic Committee individually considers these submissions, before they together arrive at a short list. Artists on the short list are then asked for the following materials:

• a repertoire list;
• a list of future engagements;
• a personal statement as to how they think they could best use the Trust’s support.

The Artistic Committee then arrives at a list of winners, which is finally confirmed by the BBT’s trustees. All nominees and nominators are informed of the Trust’s final selection, and Awards and Fellowships are announced in mid-March, on or close to the birthday of the charity’s co-founder, Franco Buitoni.