Live Auditions Part 1

The search for the next classical music superstar begins. For more than four decades, this competition has celebrated the very best emerging musical talent from across the UK and launched the careers of some of the biggest names in classical music such as Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Nicola Benedetti. Now, a new generation of exceptional young musicians takes to the stage, ready to make their mark.

Presented by Petroc Trelawny, this programme brings together highlights from the live auditions, filmed at Bath Spa University. In the first of two programmes from this stage of the competition, we meet a remarkable array of young musicians, showcasing an exciting mix of instruments, including violin, piano, guitar, accordion and saxophone.

Their performances take us on a journey through a rich and varied repertoire, from much-loved works by Debussy, Chopin, Schumann and Ravel to lesser-known composers and unexpected musical discoveries.

Making the all-important decisions are the BBC Young Musician series judges: world-renowned concert pianist and recording artist Joanna MacGregor and conductor and broadcaster Ben Gernon. Joining them as guest judge for the live auditions is solo trombonist Peter Moore, who made history in 2008 when at just 12 he became the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician.

The jury must choose a representative from each of the five instrumental families – brass, keyboard, percussion, strings and woodwind - and select three wild cards to go through to the quarter-final. But with such outstanding performances and exceptional musicianship on display, they face some tough decisions.