Page 120 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, an icon of contemporary music who died in 2023,

was celebrated with the 'Large-Scale Composition' Award for her acclaimed
opera Innocence: a mesmerising portrait of lives forever changed by a high school

shooting, staged by The Royal Opera. Her son, and the opera’s co-librettist, Aleksi
Barrière collected the trophy in her name.

After a year in the headlines, the BBC Singers were recognised for the astonishing

quality, style and imagination they have brought to a range of endeavours and
collaborations, receiving the 'Ensemble' Award.

Star tenor Nicky Spence received the 'Singer' Award for a 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, 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.

BBC Radio 3 presenters Elizabeth Alker and Linton Stephens, 'conducted' the

fantastic evening, with trophies presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly who
said: "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