2021 RPS AWARDS SHORTLISTS REVEALED

We are delighted that oboist Nicholas Daniel has been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in the Instrumentalist category.

‘Oboist Nicholas Daniel contributes so much to the musical landscape, and what a year he’s had: premiering great new works, notably Tavener’s La noche oscura, giving countless performances, and continuing his tireless, valued work as a mentor.’

‘We are pleased to present a strong message about the power and presence of classical music throughout the pandemic as we announce the shortlists for this year’s Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

This year’s Awards are vibrant evidence of a profession that, faced with huge challenge, has never stopped raising people’s spirits when the nation needed it most. From star soloists to unsung heroes and amateur musicians, the shortlists tell a story of tremendous creativity, connectivity and resilience in this most challenging of years.

  • Shortlisted initiatives highlight the important social, cohesive benefits of music in difficult times, notably English National Opera’s ENO Breathe drawing on the practice of opera singers to help COVID sufferers, and Orchestras for All breaking down barriers to give life-changing, inclusive experiences to young people in disadvantaged circumstances
  • Nominees collectively illustrate classical music enriching lives across the UK including in the North East, the North West , Scotland and Wales 
  • From countless streamed performances to Vopera’s virtual production of L’enfant et les sortilèges and the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia’s The World How Wide, nominees are commended for establishing new ways – set to last – of sharing classical music with wider audiences digitally
  • The 22 individual performers and composers shortlisted range in age from 23 to 70 and 27% are people of colour, including Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, mother of the famous musical family nominated in the Storytelling category for her book ‘House of Music’

Shortlists across 11 categories, each decided by independent panels, are revealed today. Already announced is the shortlist for an award set to be decided for the very first time by public vote. The Inspiration Award is newly introduced to celebrate non-professional ensembles who have likewise kept communities connected through the pandemic. Throughout September, the public has been voting for whom they feel should receive this award from a shortlist of six entities. Over 4000 votes have been received so far and voting is now closed.

The 2021 RPS Awards take place at Wigmore Hall, London, at 7.30pm on Monday 1 November. The event will be hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham and RPS Chief Executive James Murphy, and trophies presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly. Tickets are £16 – 30, a vastly reduced price this year enabling more music-lovers and music-makers to get together and join in the festivities. As well as revealing the winners of all this year’s awards, the presentation will feature live musical performances from special guest artists, including some of this year’s nominees. Tickets are going fast. For full details of the event and how to book, visit this page of our website.

The RPS Awards will also be filmed, and the stream will be available to watch on our website from Tuesday 9 November. Our partners BBC Radio 3 will also be covering the celebrations in a special broadcast, giving you the opportunity to discover more of the music of the winners and shortlistees, at 7.30pm on Monday 8 November.’

Royal Philharmonic Society, 28 September 2021

Read more at royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk