Alumni Spotlight: Samrat Majumder’s Stellar Rise in Classical Guitar

Samrat Majumder clutching his classical guitar. He is wearing a black top and the background is colourful - red and yellow vertical stripes.

The Class of 2017’s Samrat Majumder (BMus Classical Guitar, 2021) has recently achieved remarkable success, being selected as one of four new Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) artists recognised for his outstanding talent and distinctive musical personality.

In an exceptional honour, Samrat has been chosen as YCAT’s inaugural 40th Anniversary Artist, a prestigious new award that will be made annually to one selected artist. This enhanced package of support recognises not only his exceptional musical abilities but his clear artistic vision, ambition and readiness to fully embrace this extraordinary opportunity.

The accolades continue with Samrat’s selection as a joint YCAT-CAG artist through the established partnership with New York’s Concert Artists Guild. Now in its sixth year, this unique transatlantic collaboration opens doors to performance opportunities across both European and North American stages, significantly expanding his international reach and career prospects.

Samrat Majumder holding his classic guitar by its neck. He is laughing whilst looking off to his left. The background is a black and white brick wall, with an approximately 25 degree line separating the two colours.


Reflecting on his achievements, Samrat expressed his gratitude:

It’s an incredible honour to have been selected as a Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) and Concert Artists Guild (CAG) artist earlier this year. It’s always a pleasure to share the beauty of the classical guitar and to have the wonderful opportunity to share this music with European and North American audiences through the well-seasoned & expert guidance and organisation of YCAT and CAG is nothing short of a dream come true.”

During his time at the High School, Samrat won a number of awards including twice taking home The Marianne Rawles Award for Outstanding Musicianship in Solo Performance at our annual MusicFest (now Young Musicians of the Year) competition. He remains deeply appreciative of his roots at The High School of Glasgow, acknowledging the foundation that continues to support his success:

My thanks must go to the High School of Glasgow for the support, foundation and confidence that I continue to draw upon in everything that I do, both in life and in music. A special thanks to the retiring Rector, Mr O’Neill, and the Music Department, headed by the fantastic Mrs Stuart, who believed in all my musical endeavours during my time at the HSOG. I’m delighted that the Music Department continues to foster an environment where music education flourishes.“

You can click here to find out a little more about Samrat’s extraordinary achievements on the classical music scene since his time at the High School.

Photos of Samrat courtesy of Kaupo Kikkas and YCAT