Page 44 - Final_RPS Awards 2020 Media Coverage Book

Accepting the medal via video, Williams said: “To receive this award is beyond any
expectation I could possibly have. For any composer to be able devote his or her life entirely
to the composition of music is very fortunate indeed.”

Director Steven Spielberg presented a special congratulatory message to his long-time
collaborator via video message, saying: “John, you have brought the classical idiom to young
people all over the world through your scores, and through your classical training and your
classical sensibilities. You are in the DNA of the musical culture of today.”

Credit: Royal Philharmonic Society

Watch the full video via the RPS website >

In his wonderful introduction to Williams’ win, which was determined by the RPS Board and
Council and voted for by RPS members, RPS chairman John Gilhooly said:

“Some of us are born into classical music, never recalling a time without it. Others are drawn
to its magic by the spell that orchestras cast in bringing soul, drama and humanity to motion
pictures.

“The recipient of this year’s RPS Gold Medal has dedicated his life to ensuring orchestral
music continues to speak to and captivate people worldwide in this way. Aged 88 and still at
work, he is an international treasure, writing score after score of sophistication and impact,
many transcendent of the films for which they were written.”

Elsewhere, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was presented with the Young Artists Award for
“captivating listeners worldwide”.

Welsh soprano Natalya Romaniw received the Singer Award, while the Scottish Ensemble
received the Ensemble Award for their innovation in their 50th birthday year.