The BBC New Generation Artists Scheme has long been a reference point as to who are some of the finest young artists today, its alumni over two decades having gone on to garner acclaim, awards and to play a key role in shaping musical life. More than that of course, the scheme offers its members – who are on the scheme for two years – invaluable experience in broadcasting, recording and collaboration.

This week the BBC named its 2019 intake, and they are: pianists Eric Lu and Alexander Gadjiev, violist Timothy Ridout, mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska, violinist Johan Dalene, the Consone Quartet and jazz guitarist Rob Luft.

Alan Davey, Controller, BBC Radio 3 says: 'I’m proud of our New Generation Artists scheme and the opportunities it gives young musicians to develop and thrive. In its 20th year we have an amazing group of young artists who will change the world for the better by making great music. From a string quartet using period instruments to a prominent UK jazz guitarist, we are proud to reflect all different types of music in this year’s selection.'

Some names may already be familiar to Gramophone readers, not least Eric Lu, the American pianist who won First Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition in September, before releasing his debut album on Warner Classics as part of the competition’s prize.

Timothy Ridout, meanwhile, the 2016 First Prize winner in the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, issued a recording of music by Vieuxtemps on Champs Hill in 2017 which prompted our critic to comment on his ‘gorgeous tone, a thoughtful approach to phrasing and an infectious sense of impetuosity’.

And earlier this year, we reported on Johan Dalene’s victory in the violin category of this year’s Carl Nielsen Competition. We look forward to welcoming the other artists to our pages in the years to come.