NTR has confirmed that they will not be participating in Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Eurofestivales reports that NTR will not be participating in Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 in Edinburgh. Joost Van Krieken who previously sat on the Steering Group for Eurovision Young Musicians and organised Dutch participation in the contest, confirmed that the broadcaster will not be returning to the contest this year.
Before 2016, the Netherlands one was of the most active participants in Eurovision events, participating in both the Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision as well as the competitions for young dancers and musicians. In 2016 the Netherlands withdrew from Eurovision Young Musicians, due to significant budget cuts at NTR.
The Netherlands participated in Eurovision Young Musicians between 1984 and 2016. Between 1992 and 1998, the country withdrew from the contest, but returned in 2000. The country’s best result came in 1984 and 1990, when they won the competition.
To date the following countries have confirmed their participation in the competition:
- Croatia
- Germany
- Hungary
- Norway
- Poland
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 will be held in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall. This is the first time since 2008 that Scotland has hosted a Eurovision event, the last being the final of the Eurovision Dance Contest. The 2018 contest will see the return of the semi-finals which will be held on August 18 and 19, with the final taking place on August 23.
Source: Eurofestivales
What is Eurovision Young Musicians
Eurovision Young Musicians has been held bi-annually since 1982. The contest was based on the format of The BBC Young Musician of the Year in the United Kingdom. Performers in the contest must be aged under 18 years and are selected by their participating broadcaster. Each performer performs a piece of classical music of their choice accompanied by the local orchestra. The winner is decided by a jury made up of classical music experts and talents.
