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4 October 2021

The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) has announced the 2021 shortlist for the Society’s
annual awards.

This year’s shortlist of artists and initiatives shows the important role classical music has
played during an unprecedented 18-month stretch of closures and lockdowns, and how,
despite the pandemic, artists have persisted in creating, collaborating, and connecting
with their communities despite the extraordinary circumstances.

The shortlist includes big-name soloists, the likes of Elizabeth Llewellyn, Jennifer
Johnston, and Nicky Spence, to amateur musicians and unsung heroes.

Eleven categories comprised the list, with each decided by independent panels. A newly
introduced award, the Inspiration Award is voted on by the public and celebrates non-
professional companies that kept communities together throughout the pandemic. Over
4000 votes were received before voting closed on Sept. 30, 2021.

The 2021 RPS Awards will take place at Wigmore Hall on Nov. 1, 2021, and will be hosted
by BBC Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham and RPS Chief Executive James Murphy, with
trophies presented by RPS Chairperson John Gilhooly.

In a press statement, RPS Chief Executive James Murphy said, “We are so pleased to
reveal this year’s RPS Awards shortlists, collectively representing the astonishing hard
work, generosity and goodwill of musicians throughout the pandemic. In current times,