New Generation Artists opens up with eight additions

Jennifer Pike, the Cheshire-born violinist who held the title of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2002 aged just 12, is among the new additions, which also including Danish cellist Andreas Brantelid, Austrian mezzo-soprano Daniel Lehner and Finnish string quartet Meta4.

Mahan Esfahani, an Iranian-born American harpsichordist and Stanford University graduate, adds to the diversity of the 14-strong group. Currently living in Washington, Estahani performs with baroque string orchestra A Far Cry and as keyboard player with Ciaramella, an early music ensemble.

Esfahani commented, 'The scheme is a perfect fit with my goal to be an exemplar of the "living tradition" of harpsichord performance and I am truly honoured to be offered this exciting opportunity.'

The scheme also welcomes 28-year-old British trumpeter Tom Arthurs, a BBC Jazz Awards Rising Star, who has recorded three albums and contributes to the unusual musical stylings of British cult comedy duo The Mighty Boosh. He joins after the 2007 success of NGA jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock, with a jazz addition now planned yearly.

The New Generation Artists scheme aims to help musicians to launch their international careers by offering opportunities to perform at the BBC Proms and at leading UK festivals. They also receive support for recording projects and collaboration opportunities.

The scheme has previously helped launch the international careers of Lisa Batiashvili, Natalie Clein, Simon Trpceski and the Belcea Quartet.

www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/classical/newgenerationartists

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