R D M R — Shortlists announced for the 2025 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

Shortlists announced for the 2025 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

As classical music’s biggest awards head to Birmingham for the first time, the charity that organises them says it’s a moment for the nation to take pride and show support for Britain’s inspirational musicians.

‘The biggest night in UK classical music’ (The Sunday Times) returns in 2025, as the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Awards announce their shortlists today, casting a light on the individuals, groups and initiatives musically inspiring communities and lifting spirits and morale across the UK.

The RPS Awards will be presented for the first time ever in Birmingham, a city with a remarkable musical heritage and community, as represented by several of this year’s shortlisted nominees. The RPS Awards will take place at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday 6 March 2025 with tickets priced affordably from £10 to £30 so music-lovers can come and be part of the experience.

RPS Chief Executive James Murphy says: ‘We often see classical music make news due to setbacks and funding cuts. Yet a resoundingly different story is being forged by musicians nationwide who – whatever they face – resiliently, creatively keep giving everything they have for the benefit of others. Communities recognise this, and they treasure it. This is the message we need more people to hear. Let’s all take pride in the story of Britain’s inspirational musicians, represented by this year’s shortlists. We warmly invite you to join us for an uplifting and exciting occasion celebrating what they do, at this year’s Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.’

Classical music’s power to change lives for the better and bring communities together is proven once again by newsworthy initiatives: Streetwise Opera’s Re:Discover Festival has given a unique platform and voice to people who have experienced homelessness, World Heart Beat Music Academy is a vital haven for disadvantaged young people to find strength and community through music-making, and Ex Cathedra’s Singing Medicine sees musicians brightening the lives of sick and isolated children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

This is a truly national success story, with nominees in all four nations: Scottish representatives include the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, community festival The Cumnock Tryst and brass band pioneer Katrina Marzella-Wheeler; Welsh representatives include Welsh National Opera; Northern Ireland is represented by the inspirational Open Arts Community Choir; strongly representing Birmingham and the West Midlands are Birmingham Opera Company, two choirs – CBSO Chorus and Ex Cathedra – and the non-professional talents of Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra.

Disabled artists are celebrated, with nominations for the trailblazing Paraorchestra, composer Sarah Lianne Lewis, and Belfast’s Open Arts Community Choir and its dedicated music director Beverley McGeown.

Of the exceptional individual performers shortlisted, 50% this year represent the global majority including Music Director of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Kazuki Yamada, soprano Francesca Chiejina, and 18-year-old virtuoso violinist Leia Zhu.

Among the star names nominated are three BBC Young Musician category finalists all up for the Instrumentalist Award – pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, horn player Ben Goldscheider, and cellist Laura van der Heijden – and composer Ben Nobuto whose Hallelujah Sim. at the First Night of the BBC Proms was an instant hit at the Royal Albert Hall and online.

The UK’s constellation of amateur groups is recognised with the RPS Inspiration Award, the winner of which is decided by public vote from a shortlist comprising brass band director Katrina Marzella Wheeler, Belfast’s Open Arts Community Choir, Europe’s oldest LGBTQ+ community choir The Pink Singers, and Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra. Visit the RPS website by 11am on Monday 3 February 2025 to discover more about the nominees and cast your vote for this award.

This year’s RPS Awards, featuring performances from a range of nominees, is hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Jess Gillam and Tom McKinney with trophies presented by RPS Chair Angela Dixon. The event will be filmed to watch on the RPS website from Monday 17 March and BBC Radio 3 presents a special broadcast featuring music of the winners and nominees on Friday 7 March.

The RPS Awards can only happen thanks to dedicated supporters, and the charity is especially grateful to this year’s Principal Supporters – BBC Radio 3, ABRSM, BBC Music Magazine, Dorico from Steinberg and PRS for Music – and those who support individual awards as detailed below.