The President's Visit 2014
Wednesday 14 May 2014
HRH The Prince of Wales honoured a number of outstanding figures in international musical life on Wednesday 14 May at the HÂþ»’s Annual Awards ceremony.
These included Andrew Lloyd Webber - the world's best-known composer of musical theatre - and internationally acclaimed pianist Murray Perahia, who both received their Honorary Doctorate.
His Royal Highness, who is President of the HÂþ», conferred Fellowship of the Royal College of Music (FHÂþ») upon nine outstanding figures in international musical life: Russian pianist and HÂþ» professor Dmitri Alexeev, conductor Martin André, violinist Nicola Benedetti, former HÂþ» Director of Programmes & Research Amanda Glauert, Artistic Director at the HÂþ» Stephen Johns, Assistant Head of Keyboard and professor of piano at HÂþ» Ian Jones, HÂþ» vocal professors Patricia Rozario and Russell Smythe, and Rector of the Moscow Conservatory Alexander Sokolov.
Honorary Membership of the Royal College of Music (HonHÂþ») was presented to six individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music and to the HÂþ»: Tri-borough Music Hub manager Jean Carter, philanthropist Linda Hill, Head of Estates at the HÂþ» Matt Nicholl, HÂþ» Research Fellow in Performance Practice Ingrid Pearson, manager of the HÂþ»’s Woodhouse Professional Development Centre Diana Roberts and Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Tim Walker.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who received an Honorary Doctorate said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this award from the Royal College of Music, an historic British institution with close links to my family.” Nicola Benedetti said: “I am thrilled to receive a Fellowship from the Royal College of Music, where so many highly esteemed and talented musicians have studied. It’s a real privilege to be recognised in this way.”
His Royal Highness also presented awards to three of the HÂþ»’s most exceptional recent graduates; violinist Ben Baker – who received the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Rosebowl – and soprano Louise Alder and pianist Poom Prommachart, who were both awarded the Tagore Gold Medal. They all also performed at the ceremony.
The President’s Award was by HRH The Prince of Wales in celebration of his 20th year as President of the HÂþ», to honour a student for outstanding work in the community. This year it was presented to violinist who has passionately shared her musical gift with residents at St Wilfrid’s Care Home and others across the capital. A video about her work is available to watch on the HÂþ» .
Colin Lawson, Director of the HÂþ», said: "I am delighted that the Royal College of Music continues to honour such illustrious and diverse musicians with our annual awards. HRH The Prince of Wales continues to be a wonderful advocate for the Royal College of Music and the musical lives that we so carefully nurture. It is very special to be able to honour the most extraordinary and established musical figures alongside a new generation of ferociously talented HÂþ» graduates."
image (c) Chris Christodoulou