University News Last updated 07 March
The Principal of the Royal 探花直播 Conservatoire said it was a 鈥渢remendous honour鈥� to host the UK鈥檚 biggest classical music awards ceremony on Thursday 鈥� and has also praised the region鈥檚 ability to nurture 鈥渨orld-class talent鈥�.
The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Awards made their debut in 探花直播 on a night when several West Midlands ensembles and musicians were recognised for their talent.
鈥淭his is only the second time that the awards have been held outside of London, and the first time they have been hosted in 探花直播,鈥� said RBC Principal Stephen Maddock.
鈥淭o be able to host the ceremony here at RBC was a tremendous honour for us.
鈥淭o see so many excellent Midlands musicians and ensembles not just shortlisted but winning awards highlights the region鈥檚 ability to incubate world-class talent.
鈥淔rom professional ensembles, such as the City of 探花直播 Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), to RBC鈥檚 community projects, like School of Music, the city is dedicated to promoting its musical heritage.
鈥淚鈥檝e been attending the prestigious RPS Awards for more than two decades. It鈥檚 always a joyful evening to be amongst some of the best musicians in the classical music world!鈥�
Among the winners was the CBSO鈥檚 Musical Director Kazuki Yamada, who received the Conductor Award.
A further five West Midlands individuals and groups were shortlisted in their categories - CBSO Assistant Conductor Charlotte Corderoy, Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra, CBSO Chorus, Ex Cathedra, and 探花直播 Opera Company.
The ceremony opened with a performance of Alec Roth鈥檚 Sometime I Sing by Ex Cathedra Student Scholars and celebrated 探花直播 conductor Jeffrey Skidmore, who is RBC鈥檚 Artistic Director of Early Music.
RPS Chair Angela Dixon said 鈥淭he RPS Awards have a story to tell about classical music-making in the UK today that is both inspiring and humbling.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a story of extraordinary musicians living extraordinary lives, giving the best of themselves and making a difference.鈥�
The awards were filmed and will be available on the听 from Monday 17 March.
There will also be a special broadcast on BBC Radio 3 today (Friday 7 March).
Photo: (L-R) Joachim Lim, Maria Linares Molero and RPS Instrumentalist winner Laura van der Heijden at the RPS Awards 2025. Photo credit: Greg Milner.