Borletti-Buitoni Trust

The Borletti-Buitoni Trust ([borˌlɛttibwiˈtoːni]) (BBT) was established as a charitable trust in 2002 to help young musicians throughout the world. The Trust assists classical instrumentalists, ensembles and singers in their early 20s and 30s to further develop their international careers with awards that fund tailor-made projects. The first awards were made in 2003.^[1]

The Trust confidentially invites respected figures in the classical music profession to nominate young artists for consideration. Awards are announced in February every other year according to the judgement of the Artistic Committee which comprises Adam Gatehouse, Ara Guzelimian, Roger Wright, and Mitsuko Uchida.^[2] Honorary Committee members include pianists Leif Ove Andsnes and Jonathan Biss, a 2003 recipient of the Award,^[1] as well as violinist Christian Tetzlaff.^[2] Committee Emeriti members include arts consultant Martijn Sanders and music consultant Andrew Starling.^[2] Uchida has the distinction of being a founding trustee of the organization.^[3]

In addition to the financial budgets, which range from £20,000 to £30,000,^[4] the Trust offers support in matters such as public relations and media communications. Periodically, the Trust also organizes residencies, showcase concerts and concert tours for selected award winners.

As of 2019^[update], BBT's trustees are Ilaria Borletti-Buitoni, Paul Cutts, and David Landau.

Founding trustee and artistic committee member Franco Buitoni died on 16 August 2016. His wife Ilaria Borletti Buitoni [it] created the biennial Franco Buitoni Award as a tribute to his lifelong love and promotion of chamber music.

BBT Communities was set up as another branch of the Trust in 2019 with the aim of giving financial support to charities and organizations that help underprivileged communities through music. The first grants are announced in June 2019.

• Official website