Page 108 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

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, Derbyshire’s Derwent Brass received the Inspiration Award for
non-professional groups, singularly chosen from a shortlist by the public who this year cast
a total of 5,434 votes; 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.

The RPS Awards were hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Elizabeth Alker and Linton
Stephens, with trophies presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly who says ‘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.’

The RPS Awards unite many partners from the UK’s classical music community. The RPS is
especially grateful to this year’s Principal Supporters – BBC Radio 3, ABRSM, Lark
Music, PRS for Music, Yamaha, and BBC Music Magazine – and those who support
individual awards as detailed below.

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 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 Tuesday 12 March.