200 years at the heart of music. If you love classical music, we invite you to become an RPS Member and join us in supporting what makes Britain 'philharmonic'.
All the news from this year's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards
#RPSAwards
is on our website. From star soloists to heroic amateur musicians, it's a vibrant, vital and uplifting story of classical music's resonance, impact and reach.
Expressing solidarity with
@ShekuKM
and family in response to the appalling racism he is facing. As a positive, thoughtful and important role model in classical music and beyond, we respect and value his wide-ranging contributions to society and urge others to do the same.
Like everyone, we're shocked and sad to hear the news about the
@BBCSingers
. Just last week, they were recognised as one of the UK's leading ensembles at the
#RPSAwards
for ' setting new standards in choral music, refreshing their scope through exciting partnerships... 1/3
We are so pleased today to award Honorary Membership of the RPS to Dame Sarah Connolly (
@spconnolly
) in recognition of her outstanding services to music - presented on her return to perform
@wigmore_hall
with pianist Malcolm Martineau by our Chair John Gilhooly OBE
We are very sorry to share the news that 26-year-old composer Lucy Hale (
@LHaleComposer
) has died.
Click below to read our tribute in full to her... (1/4)
For his 'shining achievements, introducing millions to orchestral music who may otherwise never encounter it', we are proud to present the RPS Gold Medal to the much-loved composer and conductor John Williams.
#RPSAwards
(2/3)
We are tremendously sorry to hear of the death of the great soprano Jessye Norman who, in 2018, received the RPS' highest honour, our Gold Medal. She was indisputably an icon and her treasured recordings will rouse hearts for many years to come.
We are sorry to hear of the death of Maurizio Pollini, a veritable colossus of piano playing. What an extraordinary career he had. He remains one of the great RPS Award winners for The Pollini Project charting the transformation of keyboard music over the centuries.
Congratulations to the winner of the RPS Instrumentalist Award:
@NickyBenedetti
. This year, Nicky has 'exceeded every possible aspect of her calling as an artist, educator and advocate, giving exhilarating performances and using her influence with such positivity.'
#RPSAwards
We pay tribute to a true musical colossus, the great Harrison Birtwistle, who has sadly died. A remarkable five-time RPS Award winner, his music shook the earth. There was force and potency in every note he wrote. We will listen in awe to his works for decades to come.
Last night
@wigmore_hall
, the renowned viol player, conductor, and champion of historical music Jordi Savall was made an Honorary Member of the RPS in recognition of his outstanding services to music and was met with a standing ovation from the Wigmore Hall audience!👏👏
What a
#coronation
and what music! Stupendously, exultingly, loving performed, making every moment shine. How proud as a nation we should be of our brilliant musicians and our wondrous musical heritage.
A true role model for young classical musicians, and an artist whose passion and sound inspires a global audience,
@ShekuKM
completes the shortlist for the Young Artists Award
#RPSAwards
@enticottmusic
Congratulations and admiration to all those whose commitment to music is recognised in the New Years Honours List, among them a CBE for John Gilhooly, Director of
@wigmore_hall
and our RPS Chairman, for his tireless positive advocacy and action through these testing times.
We are sad to hear of the death of a musical icon, the great Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. She made exquisite music at the frontier of imagination, bold and uncompromising, yet entrancing and dream-like. Let's fill the airwaves and concert venues with her extraordinary sound.
We are delighted to announce that
@HarrietWybor
joins the RPS as our new General Manager this August. Through strategic roles at PRS and OUP, Harriet has been a devoted advocate and support for composers, fostering opportunities, commissions, and fruitful partnerships nationwide.
The RPS Young Artist Award goes to
@TheHExperiment
.
The Hermes Experiment 'embody pure, limitless creativity. They show us – in their unique recitals and debut disc – all the joy, adventure and reward that comes from commissioning a cosmos of composers.'
#RPSAwards
The RPS Ensemble Award goes to
@BBCSingers
for the 'astonishing quality, style and imagination they've invested in their endeavours, from innovative associations to educational ventures. Here’s how to do it: whatever life casts your way, come out singing!'
#RPSAwards
We also warmly welcome to our advisory Council Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
@thekannehmasons
who, having nurtured an astonishing musical family, now dedicates so much time and imagination to being an ardent advocate and activist for music education.
The RPS Large-Scale Composition Award goes to
@DaniHoward6
for her Trombone Concerto. Written for the
@liverpoolphil
and star soloist
@pete_moore_
, this is 'a much-needed new masterpiece for the trombone, sure to attain a lasting place at the heart of its repertory.'
#RPSAwards
Here is John Williams sharing some words with us on receiving the
#RPSGoldMedal
, as well as a very special message from his close friend and colleague, Director Steven Spielberg...
Apparently it's been 20 years since a classical music documentary was on
@BBCOne
primetime. Seize the moment, gather the whole family, and relish together
@thekannehmasons
show when it airs this Sunday. It's full to the rafters of hope, love and fabulous music.
Congratulations to
@DunedinConsort
who receive the RPS Ensemble Award for such 'productivity and positivity casting new light on Baroque traditions, with nationwide concerts, digital adventures for children, and
@ErrollynWallen
's thrilling opera Dido’s Ghost.'
#RPSAwards
How sad to hear Anthony Payne has died, so soon after his beloved Jane Manning. He kindly let proceeds from his ingenious elaboration of Elgar 3 come to the RPS to support other composers. Now let's all listen beyond that sublime work to his many other gems. Long may they last.
We dearly appeal to
@DCMS
to resolve this matter: 40,000 choirs nationwide have worked hard for months to plan safe singing in line with the road map, adhering to the government's own scientific research last year for what is safe. Let the people sing!
We've contacted
@DCMS
urgently for an explanation about why singing indoors has been singled out in the performing arts guidance for England. We've also updated our guidance tool with the latest rules for vocal & instrumental groups in all four UK nations:
These are tremendous artists. We dearly hope the BBC and we as a sector will continue to wholeheartedly embrace their brilliance as freelancers. Let's not forget this poignant moment when they were there for us all: 3/3
Lucky us! We are delighted to share that composer, singer-songwriter, pianist, and all-round much-loved creative force and musical treasure
@ErrollynWallen
CBE has joined our advisory Council.
Dear friends, it's our 207th birthday!🎂🥳🎻
We were born
#OTD
in 1813, when a group of musicians determined to establish a series of orchestral concerts in London. Back then, there was no permanent symphony orchestra or music society - and look how far we've come today. Hooray!
The RPS Large-Scale Composition Award goes to Gavin Higgins
@gavhiggins
for his Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra. Brought to life by
@TredegarBand
and
@BBCNOW
, this is a rousing, visionary 'love letter to the bands in which Gavin found his musical calling.'
#RPSAwards
Speechless at the news that opera hero and genius Graham Vick CBE has died. We are so proud to have presented him RPS Honorary Membership in 2016 for his work putting communities at the heart of sensational opera. We must all strive to follow his example and continue his mission.
Here's an
#IntrepidMusician
you may have spotted, singing, on your Twitter feed. Tenor
@AlexAldren
, who originally trained as a doctor, has now returned to work for
@NHSuk
to help fight COVID-19. We're so grateful to Alex for taking time to say a few words, specially for the RPS.
The RPS Singer Award goes to Jennifer Johnston, for the 'commitment and emotional force she brings to everything she does, from cherished performances as Artist in Residence with
@liverpoolphil
to her outstanding charity work supporting fellow musicians.'
@AskonasHolt
#RPSAwards
…performing and commissioning male and female composers equally, and reconceiving the place of choral singing, deeply connecting with East London communities ahead of their planned move to Stratford.' 2/3
Two much-loved icons of classical music – the horn player
@sarahwillis
and the dedicated supporter and organiser of musical initiatives Ursula Jones – have today been made Honorary Members of the RPS in recognition of their outstanding services to music.
Today we learned a former participant in our annual composers programme has been prosecuted for indecent behaviour towards women. We concur with the prosecutor’s view of his acts. We have removed his profile from our website and are in wholehearted solidarity with his victims.
From tomorrow you can watch the
#RPSAwards
entirely for free on our website, but here for now is a flavour: stirring words from
@annalapwood
as she received the RPS Gamechanger Award last week on 1 March.
#IWD2023
1/7
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the RPS Enterprise Fund! These 87 recipients represent the resilient, creative and inspiring ways in which classical musicians have responded to the pandemic nationally.
RPS Honorary Membership awarded to STEPHEN HOUGH for virtuosic command of his instrument and the intelligence and insight of his beautifully crafted interpretations
Winners of the RPS Inspiration Award are
@HilaryJCampbell
and
@BristolChoral
. 'Led by Hilary's unbound energy, the choir gave stirring online renditions of choral works thoughout the pandemic, as well as launching their debut CD and a carol commissioning competition.'
#RPSAwards
Today we bid a fond farewell to the wonderful Robin Sheffield
@RASheffield
who has worked at the RPS for seven years. What a brilliant colleague - you couldn't ask for a better person to work with. Thank you dear Robin, and all the best for your next adventures.
The winner of the RPS Singer Award is
@nickythespence
. 'His phenomenal vocal talent combined with the immense care he brings to everything sets a benchmark for us all… from performances at
@bbcproms
and
@WelshNatOpera
to nurturing young talent.'
#RPSAwards
This week we announce two major RPS honours. His Majesty The King has presented RPS Honorary Membership to composer Judith Weir (pictured) and RPS Chairman John Gilhooly presented the RPS Gold Medal to violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. (pic: PA/Wigmore Hall)
The RPS Ensemble Award goes to
@manc_collective
who are riding an extraordinary wave this year. They are 'changing the vocabulary of how classical music is presented. It's joyous to be in the audience and feel part of their collective passion.'
#RPSAwards
The RPS Impact Award goes to
@E_N_O
Breathe.
Helping hundreds of long-COVID sufferers address their breathing and anxiety,
#ENOBreathe
is 'a brilliant example of how music, and the principles of music-making, can touch lives in ways people may not imagine.'
@E_N_O
#RPSAwards
The 2024
#RPSAwards
shortlist is revealed! Congratulations to all this year's nominees who represent so many brilliant musical individuals, groups and initiatives inspiring communities across the UK.
Many congratulations, much deserved, to our friends
@wigmore_hall
and RPS Chairman John Gilhooly for receiving the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Innovation in the Arts During The Pandemic.
Let's have a round of applause for mezzo-soprano
@Joanna_Harries
who's now working at her local
@coopuk
! She's stacking shelves and scanning items at the till, covering hours that others can no longer make. Here she shares her thoughts on her experiences so far.
#IntrepidMusician
Delighted to welcome the 2022 RPS Composers to RPS HQ this evening for a networking event! So great to finally meet them in the flesh after working together this past year.
***RPS NEWS*** We're delighted to announce that James Murphy (
@jamesmurphynow
) has been appointed Chief Executive of RPS. He will join RPS in the summer, taking over from Rosemary Johnson who is stepping down after twenty years.
Compelling and devastating in equal measure -
@solomonsknot
gave an incredibly moving performance of Bach’s Matthew Passion from memory at
@BrittenPears
for Easter Sunday. Hear them in Cambridge on Wednesday:
Congratulations to
@vopera20
winning the RPS Opera and Music Theatre Award. 'Their spectacular digital production of Ravel's L’enfant et les sortilèges lifted spirits and wittily spoke to the times. We can’t wait to see what its gifted young creators will do next!'
#RPSAwards
This year's RPS Gamechanger is
@Annalapwood
. Anna 'communicates music's worth and resonance through all life's stress and noise. She is lighting a way, opening new doors and drawing us all in with her infectious spirit.'
#RPSAwards
The winner of the RPS Storytelling Award is Quartet by
@LeahBroad
, which 'weaves the stories of four composers the world should know better. She brings them to life with such sensitivity and nuance, changing our perceptions of their artistry and impact.'
#RPSAwards
'Access to the arts and culture is access to our national life and the universal right of every citizen... classical music is no ornament or sideline.'
John Gilhooly OBE, RPS Chair and Director
@wigmore_hall
#RPSAwards
Fantastic to see pianist Imogen Cooper CBE awarded The Queen's Medal for Music. An artist yet at the top of her game following her resplendent
@wigmore_hall
recitals this year and her latest
@ChandosRecords
disc, and renowned for her support and kindness to younger musicians.
The RPS Conductor Award goes to Ryan Bancroft.
New Principal Conductor of
@BBCNOW
, Ryan's 'electrifying concerts invigorated the orchestra’s repertoire, particularly in Black History Month. Ryan is fast become an asset to music-making nationwide.'
#RPSAwards
@intermusicaltd
We welcome internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly
@spconnolly
to our event, 'The RPS Conversation' on 4 April. Join us and hear her thoughts about making music in modern times. Book your free tickets here:
@AskonasHolt
After the news of Jane Manning and Valerie Solti, we are sorry to hear that composer Simon Bainbridge has died. His powerful Fantasia for Double Orchestra was part of the RPS 'Encore' initiative, giving neglected works new light. Time for us all to listen to more of his music.
The RPS Conductor Award goes to Martyn Brabbins.
'A fortifying presence,' from engagements with
@ENO
and
@BBCNOW
to an epic performance of Scott of the Antarctic with
@BBCSO
, 'Martyn's contribution to UK musical life is colossal'.
#RPSAwards
@intermusicaltd
Announcing the seven composers who will be participating in the 2024 RPS Composers programme! We are so excited to be working with them and our valued programme partners over the next year, and we look forward to sharing more of their work with you.🧵
Truly majestic, This is Rattle
@londonsymphony
was a triumphant, Odyssean celebration of Sir Simon Rattle's homecoming. It is the WINNER in Concert Series & Festivals
#RPSMusicAwards
Here it is: the 2023
#RPSAwards
shortlist, shining a light on brilliant individuals, groups and initiatives inspiring communities across the UK, reflecting the far-reaching and resounding impact that classical music has nationally.
The RPS Chamber-Scale Composition Award goes to
Wicked Problems by
@LJBcomposer
!
This 'dazzling gymnastic display for voice and bass flute confronts the future consequences of climate change with virtuosity, fury and darkly-glimmering wit.'
#RPSAwards
We're delighted to welcome
@StephenFry
to the RPS this month for a very special conversation – with the author and music critic for
@NewYorker
@alexrossmusic
about his latest book: ‘Wagnerism’.
Join us for it live on our website 6.00pm Tuesday 29 Sept:
We are dearly sorry to hear that the wondrous Jane Manning OBE has died. A fearless vocalist, a blazing force in new music, a pioneer who brought such dexterity, light and joy to everything she did. She set a tempo for so many performers to follow, and will be fondly remembered.
It was destined to be special, but WOW
@bbcsingers
and
@sjeannin
's late-night
@bbcproms
showed us all the splendour, dexterity and magic of the singing voice. What Olympians they are. And in embattled times, what warmth, joy and resilience they gave us. Long may they last.
NEWS: Violinist
@NickyBenedetti
's powerful speech for the RPS on
#musiceducation
- and why music is fundamental to our lives - is now available online.
You can watch the film on our website if you're an RPS Member, or on
@ClassicFM
for a limited time.
The winner of the Instrumentalist Award is Abel Selaocoe
@Abel_Cellist
. He 'lays bare all the joys and wonders that come from making music. It's mesmerising to behold how he fuses being a cellist, singer, composer and improviser, and combines global traditions.'
#RPSAwards
All the news from this year's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards
#RPSAwards
is right here on our website. It's a story worth sharing of classical music-makers nationwide giving their all for the benefit of society.
Sad news today of the death of the composer and conductor Peter Eötvös. A hugely important figure in European contemporary music, his music conveys a rich tapestry influences. He received the RPS Large Scale Composition Award for his opera Three Sisters in 2002.
Much has been rightly said of late about why music education matters. Then along comes the new John Lewis
@jlandpartners
Christmas ad and puts it beautifully. Give children instruments. Watch what happens.
The winner of the RPS Storytelling Award is Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
@thekannehmasons
for House of Music, 'a fresh, moving account of raising children and nurturing their creativity. It captures what’s sincerely human in classical music-making.'
#RPSAwards
Our jury was completely enthralled by the positive, electrifying force of Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla
@TheCBSO
and has placed her the
#RPSMusicAwards
shortlist.
NEWS: we are pleased to announce two new courses in our acclaimed
#WomenConductors
programme. One course especially for young women studying music in the North of England (30-31 Mar, 17 Sep) and one in Birmingham aimed at music students (14-15 Apr).
Last night at the
@bbcproms
, Vladimir Jurowski was presented with one of the highest international honours in music: the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal. You can listen to the whole concert and presentation in the
@BBCRadio3
broadcast.
While we can't all be together for the
#RPSAwards
, let us know where in the world you are watching. And if you've specially dressed for the occasion - like the RPS Team - we'll retweet your pic! Cheers🥂
The winner of the RPS Young Artist Award is
@lottebettsdean
. 'She's a visionary performer, blazing through so much daring repertoire, and plunging into one bold collaboration after another.'
#RPSAwards
The RPS Chamber-Scale Composition Award goes to
SERENITY 2.0 by
@bennobuto
.
Commissioned by
@manc_collective
, this 'sonically dazzling tour-de-force tantalises the listener with its bold tapestry of writing for strings, percussion, and electronics.'
#RPSAwards
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