BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Classical Musician 2026 – Grand Final

Experience an inspiring evening as three of Scotland’s most exceptional young instrumentalists perform in the Grand Final of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Classical Musician 2026, performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jonathan Bloxham.

Following an outstanding semi-final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the three grand finalists are:

Pianist Anastasia-Maria Barbu, who began her studies at the age of eight in her hometown of Brasov, Romania. She is now in her final undergraduate year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Oboist Alasdair Cottee is from East Lothian and studies at the Royal Conservatoire Junior Department, is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and currently serves as Principal Oboe of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Cellist Finn Mannion is from Crieff and is completing his Masters in Music Performance at Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland.

Free tickets are available for the Grand Final at Glasgow City Halls, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday 31 May 2026 at 7pm (up to 4 per booking)

The evening will be hosted by Judith Ralston and judged by an esteemed panel comprising composer Helen Grime, cellist Su a Lee, and David McGuinness (Professor of Practical Music, University of Glasgow).