Page 118 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

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