Page 132 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

• Ukrainian composers Illia Razumeiko and Roman Grigoriv

travelled from Ukraine to receive an award for their
opera Chornobyldorf.
• Jasdeep Singh Degun became the first sitar player ever to

win an RPS Award.
• Much in the news this year, the BBC Singers received an

award.
• Disabled musician Clare Johnston was awarded for a
remarkable collaboration with Kazakhstani musicians.

• A posthumous award was presented to the iconic composer
Kaija Saariaho who died last year.

• A special award was presented to the Irene Taylor Trust for
its inspirational work using music to help people whose
lives are impacted by the criminal justice system.

At a time when classical music faces great challenges and funding cuts, the Royal

Philharmonic Society Awards were announced this evening – Tuesday 5

March 2024 – at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, presenting a vital
and uplifting picture of classical music’s resonance, impact and reach.

Marking the first time that the Awards have been presented out of London, 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.

A major highlight was 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. It was presented 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.