ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY AWARDS 2023
RPS ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Welcome to the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. Whether you’re a music-maker or a music-lover, we are so pleased you are here, given the part you play in what we’re here to celebrate: the positive, impactful role that classical music plays across the UK.
You know the RPS for its Awards but may not realise what else we do year-round to support so many musicians. Amid this evening’s starry names, we are pleased to shine a light on those you may not know, their part in the nation’s musical ecology no less important. Each year the RPS helps many such musicians to overcome serious barriers to progress with grants, commissions, mentoring and performance opportunities that transform their prospects. We fulfil this with partners nationally, involving those who have found success to share their expertise with their successors.
There’s no limit to what we can do here, if we only had the means. Our annual RPS Composers programme offers a commission, premiere and a year of professional development that’s helped artists like Charlotte Bray, Dani Howard, Daniel Kidane, and Oliver Leith make their mark, but there are so many more music creators we want to help. Our RPS Women Conductors programme - led by the inspirational Alice Farnham - has given over 500 women greater skills and confidence on the podium, helping to transform who gets to conduct nationally, but we’re a long way yet from equality. Recently, we presented the RPS Enterprise Fund, thanks to our good friends at Harriet’s Trust, channelling £200,000 of funds they donated to musicians nationwide who each found fresh strengths and new ways to keep inspiring audiences through the pandemic. We are so keen to enact more measures to support musicians’ initiative like this.
The RPS Women Conductors courses led Olivia Clarke to recognise her calling, and she now holds coveted positions at English National Opera and the CBSO.
Trumpeter Aaron Akugbo is one of the many young musicians the RPS has helped to buy the instrument they need to progress. Now he’s winning awards with his quintet Connaught Brass, and playing guest principal with the RPO and Philharmonia.
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You don’t have to be a philanthropist to help us. Did you know that you can become a Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society, just like the National Trust or Royal Horticultural Society?
RPS Membership is an opportunity for you to:
• make a charitable gesture and show your support for the music and musicians you love
• fuel your passions, make fresh discoveries, and get closer to what’s happening in classical music today
• be a valued part of a connected community of music-lovers and music-makers united by a cause
We are so grateful to the RPS Members attending tonight. For those of you who aren’t yet Members, instead of a fundraising appeal this evening, we simply ask you to join the RPS. On every seat, you will find our new Membership brochure (pictured right) which we ask you to take home and read, giving you a greater picture of the great things we can achieve together.
Soprano Natalia Romaniw, who just made her Royal Opera debut playing Tosca, is one of many musicians who have captured the public’s imagination by winning the RPS Young Artist Award.
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Samantha Fernando, former participant in the RPS Composers programme, has recently written music for the Philharmonia and BBC Singers, plus the Royal Opera’s sensational virtual-reality opera Current Rising.
PERFORMANCE
Welcome speech from RPS Chairman John Gilhooly
ENSEMBLE
for the outstanding quality and scope of the performances, presented for a live audience or digitally, and the work in any context of a group of musicians, no fewer than three
BBC Singers
Ensemble 360
Manchester Collective
supported by Wise Music Group in its 50th anniversary year
Panel: Linton Stephens - Bassoonist and Presenter, BBC Radio 3; Michael Duffy - Head of Programming, Cheltenham Music Festival; Marie-Sophie Willis - Chief Executive, The Sixteen; Sam Wigglesworth - Performance Music Director, Faber Music; Sini Simonen - Violin, Castalian Quartet
SINGER
for the outstanding quality and scope of the performances, presented for a live audience or digitally, and the work in any context of an individual singer
Anna Dennis — soprano
Lise Davidsen — soprano
Lucy Schaufer — mezzo soprano
supported by ISM, the Independent Society of Musicians
Panel: Alexandra Davies – General Manager, Tenebrae; Allyson Devenish – Pianist; Camilla King – Executive Producer, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod; Marcus Farnsworth –Baritone / Artistic Director, Southwell Festival; Michael McCarthy –Director, Music Theatre Wales
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CONDUCTOR
for the outstanding quality and scope of the performances, presented for a live audience or digitally, and the work in any context of a conductor
Karina Canellakis
Martyn Brabbins
Robert Ames
supported by John Gilhooly
Panel: Alexis Paterson – Chief Executive, Three Choirs Festival; Amina Hussein – Principal Flute, Manchester Camerata; Hannah Davison – Director, Promotion, Boosey & Hawkes; Neil Bennison – Music Programme Manager, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham; Richard Morrison – Chief Culture Writer, The Times
CHAMBER-SCALE COMPOSITION
for an outstandingly imaginative and engaging chamber-scale work receiving its first UK performance, presented for a live audience or digitally
Bára Gísladóttir — Animals of your pasture
Ben Nobuto — SERENITY 2.0
Thomas Adès — Alchymia
supported by Boosey & Hawkes in memory of Tony Fell
Panel: Des Oliver – Composer; Ellie Wilson – Creative Director, NMC Recordings; George Vass – Artistic Director, Presteigne Festival; Rhian Samuel – Composer; Rosie Chapman – Head of Artistic Planning, Kings Place
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OPERA AND MUSIC THEATRE
for an outstanding production or initiative, presented for a live audience or digitally, or for the overall accomplishments of a company or individual in opera and music theatre
Bluebeard’s Castle
— Theatre of Sound and Opera Ventures
Orfeo — Garsington Opera
Scottish Opera
The Handmaid’s Tale — English National Opera
supported by Jenny Hodgson
Panel: Armin Zanner – Interim Director of Music and Head of Vocal Studies, Guildhall School of Music and Drama; Emily Gottlieb – Chief Executive, National Opera Studio; Henrietta Bredin – Deputy Editor, Opera; Peter Brathwaite – Baritone; Stuart MacRae – Composer
PERFORMANCE
GAMECHANGER
for those who in unique and contemporary ways continue to break new ground in classical music, as the musicians who founded the Philharmonic Society did in 1813. There is no shortlist for this Award, specially presented by the Board and Council of the RPS to an initiative, individual, group or organisation for their inspirational and transformative work. Introduced in 2019, our Gamechangers so far are pioneering Peckham venue Bold Tendencies, conductor Jane Glover, and Chineke!
supported by Signum Classics
INTERVAL
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CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Through the extraordinary musical achievements being recognised this evening, it’s clear that there is strength, solidarity and opportunity to be found in working together.
We share this ethos and greatly value our relationships with organisations across the music profession who are proud of their association with the Royal Philharmonic Society. Through its unique history, the RPS has established a central role in British music, and we warmly invite you to consider how your organisation could benefit from becoming an RPS Corporate Member.
Whatever your role in the music profession, you can draw on our strong links and insights into every corner of the musical ecology. Whether you’re an amateur or professional ensemble, or an organisation working to support or promote musicians, we can expand your network, introduce you to exciting talents and driving forces in music, and offer advice and insights or ignite new collaborations that can help fulfil your strategic priorities.
Equally, talk to us about how we can build a bespoke partnership by allying your organisation with one of our transformative artistic programmes, or by developing a creative idea together.
Premier Corporate Members
Chandos Records
Advance Corporate Members
Association of British Orchestras
International Artist Managers’ Association
Naxos Music UK
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Corporate Members
Leith Hill Music Festival
Music Masters
Royal Academy of Music
Corporate Partners
ABRSM
Sage Gateshead
Schott Music
Wigmore Hall
Put your name to an aspect of our charitable work that resonates with your mission –like the RPS Women Conductors programme, founded by the visionary Alice Farnham.
Let us amplify your message through our widely-followed social media and dedicated Membership mailings and magazine.
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LARGE-SCALE COMPOSITION
for an outstandingly imaginative and engaging large-scale work receiving its first UK performance, presented for a live audience or digitally
Gavin Higgins
— Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra
George Lewis — Minds in Flux
Joe Cutler — Concerto Grosso
Rebecca Saunders — To an utterance
supported by The Boltini Trust
Panel: Alexander Campkin – Composer; David Horne – Composer / Head of Graduate School, Royal Northern College of Music; Heather Duncan – Head of Concerts & Artistic Planning, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; Natalia Franklin Pierce – Executive Director, Nonclassical; Samantha Fernando – Composer / Lecturer in Composition, Royal Holloway
STORYTELLING
for a compelling and imaginative entity, which newly or distinctly in this year furthered the understanding of classical music in a lateral medium (most likely but not limited to written or spoken word, radio, television, film, digital, online)
Sound Within Sound — Kate Molleson
The Great Passion — James Runcie
Untold - Keith — Manchester Camerata
supported by Schott Music
Panel: Chico Chakravorty – Chair, Multi-Story Orchestra / Founder, Doing Diversity Differently; Jon Jacob – Writer, content producer; Leah Broad – Writer; Roxanna Panufnik – Composer; Sarah Bardwell –Executive Director, Britten Pears Arts
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YOUNG ARTIST
for a solo performing artist or chamber ensemble, relatively new to the profession, who has shown remarkable promise and made a strong impression
Nardus Williams — soprano
Tangram
Timothy Ridout — viola
supported by Sir Simon and Victoria, Lady Robey OBE
Panel: Jenny Jamison – Chief Executive, Scottish Ensemble; Keval Shah – Pianist; Nick Thorne – Chief Executive, Orchestras for All; Rachel Gough – Principal Bassoon, London Symphony Orchestra; Zeb Soanes – Presenter, Classic FM
SERIES AND EVENTS
for a festival, themed series of performances, or truly unique performance event, presented for a live audience or digitally, that drew fresh interest to a facet of classical music
Leeds Piano Trail
Oxford Lieder Festival
Ryedale Festival
Sound Festival
supported by Decca
Panel: Alfonso Leal del Ojo – Chief Executive / Principal Viola, The English Concert; Ann Barkway – Executive Producer, London International Festival of Early Music; Hannah French – Presenter, BBC Radio 3; Helen Blythe – Senior Producer, Classical Music, Sage Gateshead; Tabitha McGrath – Associate Director, Polyarts
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INSTRUMENTALIST
for the outstanding quality and scope of the performances, presented for a live audience or digitally, and the work in any context of an individual performer on any instrument
Abel Selaocoe — cello
Adam Walker — flute
Elena Urioste — violin
supported by Lark Music
Panel: Charlotte Smith – Editor, BBC Music Magazine; Nick Zekulin – General Manager, Hebrides Ensemble; Stephen Upshaw – Viola; Thomas Gould – Violin; Wiebke Busch – Managing Director, Wise Music Group
INSPIRATION
for a non-professional ensemble or an individual who works with such groups, in recognition of the remarkable constellation of such musicmakers nationwide. While the shortlist was chosen by a specialist panel, the winner for this Award has been decided by public vote.
Bradford Festival Choral Society
Côr CF1
Torbay Symphony Orchestra
Tredegar Town Band
Ula Weber
supported by Warner Classics
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Panel: Alison Reeves – Deputy Chief Executive and Manager, Scotland, Making Music; Gavin Higgins – Composer; Lucy Galliard – Chief Executive, Sinfonia Viva; Steph Power – Composer / Chair, Ty Cerdd; Themba Mvula – Baritone / Music Director, Lichfield Gospel Choir
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IMPACT
for an outstanding initiative, individual or organisation that practically engaged and set out to have a lasting impact on the lives of people who may not otherwise experience classical music, demonstrating the positive, empowering role it can play in society
Awards for Young Musicians
Opera-tic — Second Movement
The Endz — The Multi-Story Orchestra
supported by OUP Music in its centenary year
Panel: Alexandra Brierley – Head of Creative Learning, Southbank Centre; Bobbie-Jane Gardner –Composer; Catherine Arlidge – Artistic and Educational Director, National Children's Orchestra / Violin, CBSO; Jamie Munn – Chief Executive, Nevis Ensemble; Leslie Kwan –Harpsichord / Trustee, ABO
CONGRATULATIONS
At PRS for Music we are delighted to support and recognise all of our composer members, those at the peak of their careers and those emerging voices with fresh perspectives.
Tonight, we celebrate the exceptional works they have written.
PERFORMANCE
After the show, we invite you to stay and enjoy the festivities, and meet friends, colleagues and nominees. Last orders at the foyer bars will be 11.00pm.
prsformusic.com
CRAFTED FOR YOUR MOMENT.
There’s a moment every artist lives for. Where the music flows effortlessly. Player and piano in harmony, as one. Reaching this state takes more than practice. It takes a piano that feels like an extension of you. An instrument that lets you express an extraordinary range of emotions with exceptional tone and resonance.
Presenting the next generation CFX, our flagship concert grand.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are very grateful to all those who support our work and particularly to the following generous organisations, trusts and individuals.
RPS Fellows
Beyond our cherished Members, we are thankful to those individuals able to make a greater donation to help the RPS support, protect, and celebrate classical music. All such donors are called RPS Fellows and enjoy a unique relationship with the charity and the musicians we champion. Let us know if the prospect of becoming an RPS Fellow yourself may be of interest.
Pamela Bullock and Antonio Pappano
John Gilhooly CBE
Harriet’s Trust
Charles and Rachel Henderson
Jenny Hodgson
Ursula Jones OBE
Sir Simon and Victoria, Lady Robey OBE
Janis Susskind OBE
Anonymous supporters
RPS Circle
Anthony Bolton
John and Diana de la Cour
Sir Vernon Ellis
Dame Felicity Lott
Kingsley Manning
Katharine Verney and Michael Berman CBE
Platinum Members
Roger Bamber
Paola Bergamaschi Broyd
Mark Bolland and Lord Black
Rebecca Driver
Christine Hardwick
Paul Hughes
Patricia Jordan-Evans
Leanne Langley
Louise Mitchell
Ian Mok
Michael Peake
Alan Sainer
Dougie Scarfe
James Williams
Anonymous supporters
We are additionally thankful to all our Members, Gold Members and Life Members whose contribution does much to help us support performers and composers, as well as those who have kindly made arrangements to support classical music long into the future through a Gift to the RPS in their Will.
uk.yamaha.com/cfx
Trusts
Andor Charitable Trust
The Boltini Trust
Delius Trust
The Fidelio Charitable Trust
Presteigne Festival
PRS Foundation
Rachel Baker Memorial Charity
Radcliffe Trust
Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation
The Thistle Trust
The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
Vaughan Williams Foundation
If you are part of a charitable trust or foundation and would like to talk about how we could work together to fulfil our shared goals, we would love to hear from you.
Board of Trustees
John Gilhooly CBE – Chairman
Angela Dixon – Honorary Secretary
Leon Bosch
Kingsley Manning
Rikesh Shah – Honorary Treasurer
Roderick Williams OBE
Sarah Gee
Stephen Hough CBE
Victoria, Lady Robey OBE
Council
Anthony Bolton
Edward Blakeman
Dame Evelyn Glennie OBE
Errollyn Wallen CBE
Gillian Moore CBE
Helena Gaunt
Helen Grime MBE
Dr Jerome Booth
Janis Susskind OBE
Jess Gillam MBE
Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
Kenneth Tharp CBE
Dr Leanne Langley – Honorary Librarian
Louise Mitchell CBE
Sally Groves MBE
Sam Jackson
Staff
James Murphy – Chief Executive
Harriet Wybor – General Manager
Camilla Carden – Programme Coordinator
Charlotte Smith – Administrator
Alison Pavier – Development Consultant
For the RPS Awards
Matt Belcher – Creative production, projections and design
Carol Cristiani – Event Manager, Southbank Centre
Rebecca Driver Media Relations
Mark Allan – Photography with many thanks to our team of helpers and staff at the Southbank Centre
For BBC Radio 3
Hannah French and Petroc Trelawny – Presenters
Peter Thresh – Producer
Emma Bloxham – Editor
All information correct at time of printing
Royal Philharmonic Society
48 Great Marlborough Street London W1F 7BB
UK Registered Charity 213693
Tel 020 7287 0019
admin@philharmonicsociety.uk royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk
“Whether we’re in the audience, onstage, or working behind the scenes, we’re united by our love of music. This unity is at the heart of the RPS Awards which celebrate the achievements of so many, and can only do that thanks to a like-minded constellation of generous, dedicated people. So it goes with our charitable activities year-round. We are so grateful to our RPS Members whose kindness and presence fuels everything we do. We warmly invite you to join them and be part of the bright, protective halo around music that our RPS Members represent.”
John Gilhooly RPS Chairman
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