Beare's artist wins BBC Young Musician 2026
Introducing violinist Sofia Demetriades
The first violinist winner since 2004
We are delighted to share that this weekend, 18-year-old violinist Sofia Demetriades was named BBC Young Musician 2026, becoming the first violinist to win the competition since Nicola Benedetti in 2004.
The final, which aired on Sunday 1 November, saw Sofia perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conducted by Alpesh Chauhan.
Sofia is one of the many young artists supported by our charity, the J & A Beare Cultural Trust. Her journey with the Trust began over two years ago, beginning with our Beare’s Chamber Music small-ensemble coaching programme, before graduating to specialist mentorship and participation in masterclasses from visiting artists including Clara-Jumi Kang and Alexander Sitkovetsky.
A Beare's Trust beneficiary since 2024
Through taking part in the Trust’s programmes, Sofia also met her current teacher, So-Ock Kim, with whom she currently studies at the Royal Academy of Music. Alongside, the Trust supported Sofia through the loan of instruments and bows as she developed, from a Scarampella violin through to a fine 1873 Vuillaume, which she played on throughout the competition.
Sofia said: “The warmth and richness of the Vuillaume allowed me to project in a large concert hall with an orchestra, which was essential for the final. It has also helped me develop further as a musician, discovering new colours and experimenting with my sound. It has been an incredible help.”
“I am so honoured and thrilled to have been a part of BBC Young Musician. I loved playing in the quarter final on my eighteenth birthday. I didn’t think I could top that, but to go on to be crowned winner is my absolute dream! Thank you so much to the judges, my teacher So-Ock Kim, the J & A Beare Cultural Trust, the Royal Academy of Music and everyone who supported me on this journey. It was pure delight to share the stage with BBC NOW, Alpesh Chauhan and my fellow finalists. I really hope to play alongside them again soon.”
Beare's supported five artists at BBC Young Musician
It has been such a delight for us at Beare’s to follow Sofia’s progress over the past two years – we’re excited for the next steps in her career, and look forward to supporting her across the next stages of her artistic development.
Five young musicians – including Sofia – who have benefitted from support through the Beare’s network, reached the live rounds of BBC Young Musician 2026, demonstrating the depth and breadth of an initiative funded entirely by private donations. Cellist Mariatu Kanneh-Mason and violinist Julia Majewska both currently play instruments through the Beare’s Society, with Julia reaching the semi-final of BBC Young Musician playing on a Vuillaume on loan to her. Also taking part in the live rounds, Beare’s alumni Hugo Svedberg and Yume Tomita have both previously played instruments through the Beare’s Society.
Steven Smith, Founder and Trustee of the J & A Beare Cultural Trust, said: “Sofia’s win is down to her own talent and hard work, and we are overjoyed for her. It also shows what private support can do for music education in the UK. Thanks to our donors, whether they give a little or a lot, we can fill some of the gaps left by the reduction in public funding for music education and give young musicians a better chance of building a career.”
Donate to help the J & A Beare Cultural Trust's work
Support artists like Sofia
The transformative programmes that our charity, the J & A Beare Cultural Trust, creates, are funded entirely by private donations from generous individuals. Support from patrons of the arts like you has enabled weekly chamber music coaching for a cohort of around 60 young musicians from all backgrounds, alongside masterclasses from visiting international artists, and specialist support including mentorship and instrument loans for rising talents like Sofia.
If you want to see more artists like Sofia reach their full potential, donate to the J & A Beare Cultural Trust today and help nurture the next generation of classical music.