Page 11 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

Regarded by many as the BAFTAs for classical music, the RPS Awards celebrate
the achievements of individuals, groups, and initiatives, with the eventual
winner of the 'Inspiration Award' supported by Warner Classics in 2021, is
decided through a public vote.

The band follows in the footsteps of Welsh champion Tredegar who were

nominated in the 2023 Inspiration category.

Short list

There are four short-listed nominees, which alongside Derwent include Glasgow
Madrigirls, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and The Sunday Boys are recognised

for their "remarkable achievements"as non-professional musical ensembles or
individuals to the year ending August 2023.

2022 saw Derwent Brass celebrate its 30th anniversary with a trilogy of special
events, the finale of which was a hugely successful astronomy themed 'Under
the Stars' themed concert which saw them perform Holst's 'The Planets'
augmented by harp, organ, celeste and chorus.

The band's sustainability commitment also saw them claiming a Making Music
'Green Award' in 2023. In addition, their adventurous musical outlook also saw
them become the became the inaugural winners of the Brass Bands England
'Innovation Award'. 2024 will see them link up with classical singer Russell

Watson.

Artistic ambitions

Speaking about the nomination, Chairman, Graham Johnson told 4BR: "This is a

wonderful way to recognise the continual artistic ambitions of the band and its
achievements which saw us continue to expand our audience profile.

To be nominated out of thousands of musical groups across the country is truly
staggering and we hope that we can now yield support from across the brass
band movement."

“To be nominated out of thousands of musical groups across

the country is truly staggering and we hope that we can now