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What is Concert Artists Guild?

Concert Artists Guild empowers musicians and launches careers that are sustainable, unique and relevant. Through mentorship and performance opportunities, we identify and develop young artists who will make an impact in the world through music.

Since 1951, CAG has helped more than 500 young musicians launch careers. Winners of CAG’s annual competition receive comprehensive management support, New York performances, concert bookings and professional career development and coaching.

 

Watch the video above to learn more about our mission!

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“We are forever grateful to Concert Artists Guild for the guidance and support we received, including CAG’s amazing dedication and care in helping us understand the field and get our feet wet on the concert stage.”

— PACIFICA QUARTET (CAG Winner ‘97)

  • "Concert Artists Guild has been extremely successful not only because of its commitment to extraordinary artistry, but through its commitment to change and its willingness to adapt to the new realities of the classical music world."

    — Limor Tomer, Vice President of Programming and Production of Segerstrom Center for the Arts

  • “Every CAG artist combines compelling music making with imagination and a fresh perspective on what classical music can and should be in the 21st century. CAG not only runs a search that actively seeks those qualities in its performers; it nurtures and supports them to be true artist citizens in contemporary society. It makes me optimistic for our art!”

    — Ed Yim, CAG Board Member, Chief Content Officer and Senior Vice President, WQXR

  • "CAG artists are notable for their tandem gifts as performers, thinkers, and musical ambassadors. As an arts leader I love that such well-rounded and optimistic young musicians are launching themselves into the world. CAG accentuates the right values and qualities through its annual competition, and I always look forward to who, and what, I will discover when I participate!"

    — Jenny Bilfield, President & CEO, Washington Performing Arts

  • “CAG empowers musicians not only to perform at the highest levels, but also to embrace the entrepreneurial aspects of developing their careers and their role as music ambassadors.”

    — Seunghee Lee, CAG Board Member, Professional Clarinetist, Recording Artist, Producer, and Founder & CEO, Musica Solis Records

  • "CAG is precious because of its unique approach to investing in young musicians. The only way to preserve classical music for tomorrow is to teach young musicians how to find new audiences today, and that is what CAG does."

    — Louise Shackelton, CAG Board Member, Professional Violinist

  • “You can find no greater endorsement of CAG than the winning combination of high quality young artists competing for representation by CAG and the equally high level of presenters engaging CAG musicians.”

    — William Boughton, Music Director, New Haven Symphony Orchestra

  • “After graduating from Curtis more than a half century ago, winning an audition at CAG gave me a crucial career 'jump-start.' It is wonderful to see how CAG has flourished over the years and continues to connect brilliant young musicians with audiences and presenters in creative and lasting ways.”

    — David Shifrin, CAG Board Member, Professional Clarinetist, Professor in the Practice of Clarinet, Yale School of Music

  • "I love the fact that CAG's ultimate objective is the same as mine - keeping the art of chamber music vital and relevant."

    — Todd Wetzel, Director, Purdue Convocations

  • "CAG simply changed the life of our quartet."

    — Parker String Quartet (CAG Winner ‘05)