Molly McWhirter: 2023 Young Artist

This is open to anyone who has attended the Aboyne cello festival, and is under the age of 30 on the 31st March 2024.  Previous recipients of the award are not eligible.

To apply: Please submit a digital recording of your playing by 31st March. We would like between 10 and 15 minutes – at least 2 contrasting pieces to demonstrate different aspects of your playing, with or without accompaniment, and it can be an audio or video file. At least one piece should be from your suggested programme – see below.

The recipient of the award will have a scholarship to the 2024 festival and a recital during the festival.

Please also send a brief CV with teaching and performing experience and a suggested programme for an evening recital to aboynecellofestival@hotmail.com

2014 Aboyne Cello Festival Young Artist, Stephen Laidlaw says “In my first year post-conservatoire, the YA programme has been a fantastic opportunity. It has provided further tuition, development of my own teaching experience and most importantly six high profile recitals throughout the UK. These concerts have formed an excellent platform upon which to expand my repertoire and develop artistically in front of nationwide audiences.”


Finn Mannion
Young Artist 2022

Joshua Lynch
Young Artist 2019

Charlie Walker
Young Artist 2018

Gemma Connor
Young Artist 2016

Julia Wagner
Young Artist 2015

Stephen Laidlaw
Young Artist 2014