It would be fair to say that we enjoyed a very special evening (yet again) at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on Tuesday. The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards debussed for the first time outside the capital, in a Manchester that supplied wall-to-wall blue skies - reassuring this Southern Expeditionary Force that we do 'do' sunshine.
At a time when classical music faces great challenges and funding cuts, the awards presented a vital and uplifting picture of classical music’s resonance, impact and reach. The event shone a light on Manchester's musical heritage and community, opening with a performance of Keiko Abe’s Conversations in a Forest from percussionists representing all of Manchester's professional classical ensembles. There were Manchester-based nominations for Olympias Music Foundation and LGBTQ+ choir The Sunday Boys, while Manchester Classical was presented with the 'Series and Events' Award, having brought thousands of citizens to a weekend of events last Summer uniting the city’s classical artists.
Although, as a Northerner I was careful to avoid being stereotyped, by leaving my ferret at home - I was relieved (while in the advance stages of Imposter Syndrome) that the Derwent Brass contingent 'kept it real' both during the awards - and later at the bar. Their 'Inspiration' Award was richly deserved - and we understand that following his acceptance speech, conductor and MD Jack Capstaff, is currently inundated with offers.
The presentation of the 'Opera and Music Theatre' Award to Ukrainian composers Illia Razumeiko and Roman Grigoriv – who travelled specially from Ukraine for the event - was a sobering moment, reminding us all of the reality for millions of citizens today. Their award was for their opera Chornobyldorf, a powerful portrait of humanity’s need for cultural sustenance in the wake of shattering global events. Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival was applauded, having brought the whole Ukrainian cast and company of the opera to Yorkshire for its UK premiere.
The coveted 'Gamechanger' Award went to the Irene Taylor Trust and its inspirational Artistic Director Sara Lee for their life-changing work using music to help and empower people affected by the criminal justice system and in marginalised areas of society. Presenting the award, RPS Chairman John Gilhooly said: "The Irene Taylor Trust is a tiny organisation with very small resource but the biggest of hearts. Politicians and policy-makers, pay heed: here is living proof of music helping society to heal. Here we see music as a gamechanger in itself." You can read the full citation HERE on the RPS website.
But it was when Jasdeep Singh Degun became the first sitar player to win an RPS Award (in the 'Instrumentalist' category) that we almost grabbed at RDMR supremo Rebecca Driver's knee, before Maddie restored order by threatening to 'Taser' us. (Apparently that's quite the thing in London??)
Born and based in Leeds, Jasdeep did those of us from the drier side of the Pennines proud. He performed his own work Veer with tabla player Harkiret Bahra and student string players from the Royal Northern College Music. Jasdeep was praised both for showing audiences the boundless possibilities of the sitar and his boundary-breaking collaborations, including the joyous Orpheus staged with our friends at Opera North.
The 'Impact' Award was presented to disabled musician Clare Johnston and Drake Music Scotland for Call of the Mountains, a remarkable collaboration with Kazakhstan’s Eegeru ensemble, which culminated in a collective performance in Edinburgh. The initiative was praised for crossing new frontiers and showcasing ways for marginalised artists to take the reins and lead the field.
Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, an icon of contemporary music who died in 2023, was celebrated with the 'Large-Scale Composition' Award for her acclaimed opera Innocence: a mesmerising portrait of lives forever changed by a high school shooting, staged by The Royal Opera. Her son, and the opera’s co-librettist, Aleksi Barrière collected the trophy in her name.
After a year in the headlines, the BBC Singers were recognised for the astonishing quality, style and imagination they have brought to a range of endeavours and collaborations, receiving the 'Ensemble' Award.
Star tenor Nicky Spence received the 'Singer' Award for a phenomenal year including performances at the BBC Proms, Welsh National Opera, Classical Pride and Eurovision, and huge dedication to nurturing young talent at Blackheath Halls and Scottish Opera. Nicky and pianist Dylan Perez enchanted the audience at the event with a live performance of Noël Coward’s Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington.
Among the other winners, François-Xavier Roth received the 'Conductor' Award for his brilliant, imaginative work with the London Symphony Orchestra and his own ensemble Les Siècles; the 'Chamber-Scale Composition' Award went to Laurence Osborn for his work TOMB! premiered by the GBSR Duo and 12 Ensemble at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival; the 'Storytelling' Award went to Leah Broad for her revelatory book Quartet, telling the stories of four overlooked female composers the world should know better; and the 'Young Artist' Award was presented to mezzo soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, praised as a visionary performer, initiating one bold collaboration after another.
BBC Radio 3 presenters Elizabeth Alker and Linton Stephens, 'conducted' the fantastic evening, with trophies presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly who said: "Too often this year, the story of classical music has been one of funding cuts and shrinking provision. Tonight we present a true picture of classical music’s quality, impact and radiance across the UK. This year’s RPS Awards winners are representative of music-makers nationwide, who – in challenging times – keep giving the very best of themselves for the benefit of others. We are proud to shine a light on their achievements, and hope it leads to greater recognition and pride for all that they collectively do."
Longstanding Awards partner BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a special RPS Awards programme at 7:30pm on Wednesday 6 March, and available for a further month on BBC Sounds, giving audiences the opportunityto hear more music from this year’s winners. A film of the RPS Awards presentation will be freely available to watch for one month on the RPS website from Tuesday 12 March.
RPS Chief Executive James Murphy also confirmed that there is significant avian interest in his nestbox at home - but no confirmed residents as yet.
