Latest New Generation Artists announced at BBC Radio 3

BBC Radio 3 has revealed the names of the New Generation Artists joining the station’s talent development scheme in September 2023.

The New Generation Artists joining the scheme this year are: British baritone James Atkinson, Kazakh pianist Alim Beisembayev, Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili, Republic of Ireland mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, Swedish soprano Johanna Wallroth, and the Chaos Quartet – whose members are from across Europe.

Also part of the new intake is British pianist Michael Pandya – the second collaborative pianist welcomed on the scheme in its history, after Kunal Lahiry in 2021.

These performers join the New Generation Artists who have been on the scheme since 2022, and remain on it until December 2024: Colombian cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia, British accordionist Ryan Corbett, British countertenor Hugh Cutting, US violinist Geneva Lewis, British jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie, South African soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, and the Leonkoro Quartet from Germany.

Sam Jackson, Controller BBC Radio 3 says: “Supporting the development of outstanding young artists as they take the first steps in their career is an absolute privilege for Radio 3: we witness the growth of these performers as they appear on prestigious stages across the country and beyond, and are listened to by millions on our airwaves.

“I am sure our audience will share in the excitement as we announce the seven New Generation Artists joining the scheme this year – and I really look forward to seeing how they evolve, push boundaries, and create extraordinary performances for us all to enjoy.”

Launched in 1999, the New Generation Artists scheme supports young musicians at the beginning of their international careers with performance opportunities in London and around the UK.

These include solo recitals, performances with the BBC orchestras, and appearances at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues and festivals, including the BBC Proms, Cheltenham Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Ulster Hall, and Snape Maltings among many others.