Page 46 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book

Organist and choral director Anna Lapwood received the Gamechanger Award for her artistry and
advocacy, and her extensive social media following she has generated for classical music.

The Impact Award went to The Multi-Story Orchestra’s production The Endz, created by a group of
young people from Peckham who – following the death of fellow teenager Malcolm Mide-
Madariola who was killed standing up for a friend in a knife fight – wanted to express their feelings
and be heard through music.

Much in the headlines recently following Arts Council England funding cuts, the English National
Opera was celebrated through the Conductor Award presented to its music director Martyn
Brabbins.

Numerous ensembles were recognised for their work enriching lives throughout the UK with music.
Manchester Camerata received the Storytelling Award for their film Untold - Keith charting the
benefits of music for people living with dementia; Leeds Piano Trail received the Series and Events
Award for brilliantly using music to entice over 200,000 people back to the city centre following
the pandemic; and Manchester Collective received the Ensemble Award for their transformative
performances attracting new audiences from Birkenhead to the BBC Proms.

In a headline speech, RPS Chairman John Gilhooly conveyed the urgent concerns and convictions
of the music profession following Arts Council England’s controversial funding review.

‘Classical music policy and strategy is confused and all over the place – but our amazing resources
and talents could work wonders if properly harnessed,’ said Gilhooly. ’An occasion like this allows
us to send a message to government that we must cherish our composers, our musicians, and our
proud musical heritage’.

He called for a coordinated plan for live classical music and music education from government,
saying ‘The arts are central to the international standing and character of the nation and bring in
over £110 billion annually to the economy. We showed through the pandemic that we are central
to the wellbeing and prosperity of our national life. Music’s worth has never been clearer. We need
open, honest, and reasoned dialogue now with government and funders.’

Awards partner BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a special RPS Awards programme at 7pm on Monday 6
March, and available for a further month on BBC Sounds, giving audiences the opportunity to 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 Thursday 9 March.