Since 2008, the YAMawards have recognised excellence in the field of live musical productions for young audiences. Now in the 17th edition of the competition, JM International (the world’s largest youth music network) is once again in search of creativity and innovation in the field of live music production for young audiences.

The YAMawards 2025 are officially open and accepting applications in 5 marvellous categories: Best Small Ensemble. Best Large Ensemble, Best Opera, Best School Concert and Best Participatory Project. Soloists, groups, ensembles, operas and orchestras producing live music for audiences under 18 years of age are encouraged to apply for this international honour. 

Previous YAMawards winners include Oorkaan (The Netherlands), Gabor Vosteen (Hungary/Germany), Bach in the Street (Sweden), Zonzo Compagnie (Belgium), Umculo (South Africa), Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium), The Alehouse Sessions (Norway), Almir & Daniel (Serbia/B&H), Opera Shmopera (UK), Catharina Chen (Norway), Oumpapa (France), Glyndebourne (United Kingdom), Harpa (Iceland), Wild (Hong Kong), Orthemis Orchestra (Spain), Body Rhythm Factory (Denmark), and La Balle Rouge (France).


The YAMawards 2025 Categories & Prizes:

-Best Small Ensemble - for Young Audiences (€1000)

-Best Large Ensemble - for Young Audiences (€1000)
(Groups of 8+ / Orchestras / Etc)

-Best Opera - for Young Audiences (€1000)
Powered by RESEO (The European Network for Opera, Music & Dance Education)

-Ebbe Høyrup’s Best School Concert - for Young Audiences (€1000)

-Best Participatory Project - with Young Audiences (€1000)
(Projects where the participation of young audiences / the process is the main focus)

-Public Choice Award (€1000)
(Selected from the  nominees in each category, decided by online public vote.)

Entries are judged by a professional international jury who base their decision on the quality of music, the quality of performance, the relevance/necessity of the program, audience communication and its international potential.

Applications close on the 21st of April, 2025, at 23:59 CET.

Public Vote:
On 16 August 2025, the nominees will be announced online and open for public voting until the 16th of September. Voting takes place via the YAMawards (www.yamawards.org). To vote, users must create/have a registered profile and will have one vote each. Nominees will be invited to the YAMawards Ceremony on September 16th, in Viljandi, Estonia.

YAMawards Ceremony & YAMsession:
The winners will be announced at the YAMawards Ceremony that will take place on the 18th of September, 2025, during the YAMsession in Viljandi, Estonia (15- 18 September). YAMsession is an annual international music conference, which includes incredible showcase concerts, a live producers’ forum, provocative talks and networking between creative professionals working in the field of young audiences' music development from more than 30 countries.

Contact
For more info please contact us at:
+32 2 513 97 74 or info@yamawards.org

custom_media_FNppkM

custom_media_NDMfOE

Viljandi

1739190999-06504921

JM International

The YAMawards are once again on the search for the world best live music productions for young audiences.