2024

Scottish Ensemble was recognised for its leading work in using an evidence-based approach to environmental sustainability. A co-founder of the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group, emphasising the responsibility of the cultural sector in advocating for urgent change, Scottish Ensemble have shown how a smaller orchestra can inspire and lead a sector when it comes to sustainable touring and sustainability in the round.

The Recruiting Classical consortium of symphony and chamber orchestra leaders, in partnership with Black Lives in Music, was celebrated for their pioneering work in driving diversity and opportunity in recruitment. With a specific focus on supporting orchestral string players from the Global Majority, the project included an open and inclusive audition process, a series of workshops to develop audition experience and the formation of a shared extra list. An integral part of the initiative were musician-led Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Groups, ensuring their existing musicians were central to the project and continue to shape its future.

As one of the first to bring the impact of orchestral music to healthcare and communities, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music & Health team were recognised for being a leading example of how orchestras are relevant, accessible and impactful beyond the concert hall. A genuine collaboration between musicians, management, NHS partners and participants, the orchestra’s healthcare programme has supported over 18,000 people living with mental and physical ill health across the Liverpool City Region. Now in its 15th year, it is one of the longest continuously running Music and Health programmes working in partnership with the NHS.

Manchester Camerata’s Principal Flute and Resident Music Therapist, Amina Hussain was awarded an ABO Classical Music Award for demonstrating the unique power of music to improve lives. A professional concert musician and community leader, Hussain has been working with Manchester Camerata’s Music in Mind team delivering music-based therapy for people living with dementia, running weekly sessions for people with learning disabilities in a residential home and working with older adults to reduce isolation.

Artist Manager of the Year - Past winners

2023 Donagh Collins, Chief Executive, Askonas Holt

2022 Atholl Swainston-Harrison, IAMA

2021 Moema Parrott, HarrisonParrott France & Polyarts

2020 Helen Sykes, Helen Sykes Artist Management

2019 Angela Sulivan, Sulivan Sweetland Ltd

2018 HELLO STAGE

2017 Kathryn Enticott, Enticott Music Management

2016 Alasdair Tait, Young Classical Artists Trust

2015 Jasper Parrott, HarrisonParrott

2014 Cornelia Schmid, Konzertdirection Schmid

2013 James Brown, Hazard Chase

2012 Stephen Lumsden, Intermusica

Concert Hall Manager of the Year - Past winners

2023 Adam McGinlay, Managing Director, Cadogan Hall

2022 Roger Wright, Britten Pears Arts, with Special Commendation to Matthew Sims, Leeds Town Hall

2021 John Gilhooly OBE, Wigmore Hall

2020 Helen Wallace, Kings Place

2019 Suzanne Rolt, St George's Bristol

2018 Richard Heason, St John's Smith Square

2017 Neil Bennison, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

2016 Angela Dixon, Saffron Hall

2015 Michael Eakin, Liverpool Philharmonic

2014 Jude Kelly OBE and Gillian Moore MBE, Southbank Centre

2013 Kevin Appleby, Turner Sims Concert Hall

2012 Paul Keene, Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham

Orchestra Manager of the Year - Past winners

2023 Dougie Scarfe, CEO, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, with Special Commendation to Sandra Parr, Artistic Planning Director (Orchestra and Ensembles), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

2022 Julia Desbruslais, London Mozart Players

2021 Crispin Woodhead, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, with Special Commendation to Greg Felton, London Philharmonic Orchestra

2020 Peter Garden, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

2019 David Wilson, London Mozart Players

2018 Sue Mallet, London Symphony Orchestra

2017 Bob Riley, Manchester Camerata

2016 Sarah Alexander, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

2015 John Harte, Aurora Orchestra

2014 Gijs Elsen, The English Concert

2013 David Butcher, Britten Sinfonia

2012 Sophie Lewis, Sinfonia Cymru