The Cowbridge Music Festival's 2024 Young Artist Programme is set to showcase Wales' exceptional budding talent.

This year's Young Ensembles will be the Cardiff-based Bute Wind Quintet and RWCMD graduates, Quartet Draig.

"We believe in providing a platform where promising artists can flourish, learn, and share their artistry with a wider audience," said Rosalind Ventris, co-artistic director of the festival.

"Through our Young Artist Programme, we offer performance opportunities, masterclasses, coaching sessions, and mentorship to empower these musicians with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their musical careers.

"We are also proud to showcase their exceptional musicianship and invest in the future of classical music."

Fellow co-artistic director Joseph Fort echoed this sentiment. He said: "Each year, our Young Artist Programme brings fresh and exciting talent to the forefront.

"We are particularly excited to announce Bute Wind Quintet and Quartet Draig to programme this year, both of whom represent the bright future of classical music in Wales and beyond.

"Supporting young musicians at the start of their careers is incredibly rewarding.

"We look forward to working closely with these artists and helping them to achieve their full potential through our comprehensive programme."

Quartet Draig is one of the bands chosen for the Young EnsemblesQuartet Draig is one of the bands chosen for the Young Ensembles (Image: Cowbridge Music Festival)

The Bute Wind Quintet, a multi-award-winning ensemble from Cardiff, promotes contemporary and underperformed chamber music, providing an uncompromising artistic image to a range of audiences.

As part of the programme, the quintet will receive masterclasses from renowned musicians and mentorship covering aspects like stage presence and managing a musical career.

Quartet Draig, formed in 2020 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, will also feature in this year's programme.

Notably, they've performed at Wigmore Hall and were the Junior Quartet in Residence at the 2021 ESTA Conference.

The quartet has a built a reputation for delivering creative programming as demonstrated at Saxon Barn.

The Young Artist Programme, a crucial part of Cowbridge Music Festival, is supported by Mauve Cymru.

This initiative plays a pivotal role in providing young musicians with the knowledge, skills, and exposure needed to propel their careers forward.

For more about the Cowbridge Music Festival and its Young Artist Programme visit the festival's website.