About the Programme

Young International Performers (YIP)
A programme for IAMA not-for-profit members

January 2005 marked the official inauguration of IAMA's international initiative, Young International Performers programme (YIP), specifically created for its growing not-for-profit membership. Participating in the scheme are a number of prestigious organisations, including trusts, foundations and competitions, all of whom offer guidance and support to young artists in the early stages of their careers. The aim of the YIP programme is to provide an international platform from which such organisations can present their young artists and bring them to the attention of commercial artist managers, promoters/presenters, orchestras and festivals in the context of high-profile meetings of music professionals. IAMA events often include a showcase element within the programme. For this reason members are advised to look out for these opportunities. 

Jose Franch-Ballester, winner of the 2009 Award. One of the features in the YIP calendar has been the Midem Classique Awards, presented n Cannes each January. The aim of this particular award, called "Outstanding Young Artist Award" was to present a top young musician to the recording industry. The newly re-designed Midem Classique Awards were in fact the backdrop of the official launch of the IAMA Young International Performers programme, with 2005 winner Llyr Williams (piano), Yosiff Ivanovan (violin) in 2006, Elizabeth Watts (soprano) in 2007 , Navarro String Quartet in 2008 and Adam Walker (flute) in 2009.  At the 2010 ceremony held on 26 January, the clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester won the award for this year. The IAMA board has decided to withdraw from the Midem award and jury and a new scheme that incorporates a wider group of members will be initiatied in 2010. 

  
 A Members' view of the programme from Michel-Etienne Van Neste

Forthcoming showcases

If you would like to know more about the Young International Performers programme, please contact Atholl Swainston-Harrison at the IAMA office, by email: ash@iamaworld.com or by phone: +44 (0) 20 7379 7336