The Next Generation Steps Forward
Classic FM has announced its 2026 Rising Stars list, spotlighting 30 classical musicians under the age of 30 who are reshaping the landscape of classical music performance. The list, now in its third year, has become one of the more visible platforms for recognizing emerging talent.
Notable Honorees
Several names on this year's list are making history:
Marc André (double bass, 23, France) became the first double bassist in history to sign an exclusive recording contract with a major classical label when Warner Classics signed him in 2025. His debut album is due this spring. The signing is significant not just for André personally but for the double bass community — an instrument that has long struggled for visibility as a solo instrument despite its central role in orchestral and chamber music.
Alexander Malofeev (piano, 25, Russia) continues to build a career defined by technical brilliance and musical depth. He has worked with leading conductors including Riccardo Chailly and has navigated the complex politics of being a young Russian artist on the international stage.
Petar Pejčić (cello, 24, Serbia) won the prestigious YCAT International Auditions in 2025 and has been named an ECHO Rising Star for 2026-27, a distinction that guarantees performances at major European concert halls.
Why These Lists Matter
Recognition programs like Classic FM's Rising Stars serve multiple functions in the classical music ecosystem. They introduce audiences to new artists, provide emerging performers with media visibility that would otherwise take years to build, and signal to presenters and promoters which young artists have momentum behind them.
For musicians early in their careers, the list offers both inspiration and a roadmap — these are artists who have found ways to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive field through a combination of exceptional artistry, strategic career decisions, and distinctive artistic identities.
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