Page 154 - RPS Awards 2024 Coverage Book

Staged as a collaboration between The Bridgewater Hall, the

Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and
Manchester Collective, Manchester Classical festival won the
award for Best Event following a magical weekend of music
at The Bridgewater Hall last June.

Other winners included Derwent Brass (Inspiration), BBC
Singers, Leah Broad (Storytelling), the late composer Kaija
Saariaho (Large-Scale Composition), the beloved Nicky

Spence (Singer) and Leeds-born sitarist Jasdeep Singh
Degun (Instrumentalist), who captivated RNCM audiences
last audiences with a performance alongside the Scottish

Ensemble.

The RPS Awards were hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters
Elizabeth Alker and Linton Stephens, 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 their
achievements, and hope it leads to greater recognition and

pride for all that they collectively do.’

A film of the RPS Awards presentation will be freely available
to watch for one month on the RPS website from Tuesday 12

March.

Words: Wolf McFarlane
Published on: Fri 8 Mar 2024