Page 445 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

throughout the industry. In a departure from previous years, during which Artist

Manager, Concert Hall Manager and Orchestra Manager of the Year were names, this
year’s awards recognised the initiatives, teams and individuals whose work
demonstrated inspiration, innovation or collaboration.

Classical Music magazine editor Florence Lockheart said: ‘The last year has been

undeniably tough, with funding cuts making it ever clearer that those in power could
certainly benefit from a greater understanding of just how much orchestras and their
music impact, not just audiences, but entire communities. Our award winners
tonight represent just that, and stand as testament to the value of our sector and its
members in supporting the vulnerable, addressing inequality, working towards a
better future for our planet and much more besides.’

Scottish Ensemble was recognised for its leading work in using an evidence-based
approach to environmental sustainability. A co-founder of the Scottish Classical
Sustainability Group, emphasising the responsibility of the cultural sector in
advocating for urgent change, Scottish Ensemble have shown how a smaller

orchestra can inspire and lead a sector when it comes to sustainable touring and
sustainability in the round.

The Recruiting Classical consortium of symphony and chamber orchestra leaders, in
partnership with Black Lives in Music, was celebrated for their pioneering work in

driving diversity and opportunity in recruitment. With a specific focus on supporting
orchestral string players from the Global Majority, the project included an open and
inclusive audition process, a series of workshops to develop audition experience and
the formation of a shared extra list. An integral part of the initiative were musician-
led Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Groups, ensuring their existing musicians were
central to the project and continue to shape its future.

As one of the first to bring the impact of orchestral music to healthcare and
communities, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music & Health team were
recognised for being a leading example of how orchestras are relevant, accessible
and impactful beyond the concert hall. A genuine collaboration between musicians,
management, NHS partners and participants, the orchestra’s healthcare programme
has supported over 18,000 people living with mental and physical ill health across

the Liverpool City Region. Now in its 15th year, it is one of the longest continuously
running Music and Health programmes working in partnership with the NHS.

Manchester Camerata’s Principal Flute and Resident Music Therapist, Amina
Hussain was awarded an ABO Classical Music Award for demonstrating the unique
power of music to improve lives. A professional concert musician and community

leader, Hussain has been working with Manchester Camerata’s Music in Mind team
delivering music-based therapy for people living with dementia, running weekly
sessions for people with learning disabilities in a residential home and working with
older adults to reduce isolation.