The news data is being updated. Please check back soon.

 

View by department or faculty
A woman with short grey hair sat signing a book in front of an organ. Two men stand either side wearing robes.

Honorary awards conferred at the Royal College of Music

Thursday 18 December 2025

This week, the Royal College of Music has conferred 25 honorary awards to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to music, music education and the RCM. 

Honorary Doctorates were awarded to famed English mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker CH, celebrated composer Mark-Anthony Turnage CBE, and clarinettist Professor Colin Lawson CBE, former Director and a vice-president of the Royal College of Music. 

In an address during the ceremony, Dame Janet Baker said: ‘To be appreciated and honoured by The Royal College of Music is very special and we are here treasuring this moment, whether as a Director, composer, singer, instrumentalist, conductor, teacher, Chairperson, supporter or valued member of staff; the recognition of our dedication to music has been felt.’ 

A number of renowned musicians, researchers and pioneers were honoured with Fellowships, including baritone, composer and teacher Roderick Williams OBE, organist and conductor Andrew Nethsingha, and award-winning soprano Sophie Bevan MBE. Honorary memberships were also conferred to philanthropists, administrators and supporters of the RCM.  

[image1]

Honorands were surprised with a congratulatory message from His Majesty King Charles III, Patron of the Royal College of Music: ‘As your patron, I am delighted to learn that twenty-five individuals will be receiving honorary awards and fellowships for their exceptional contribution to life at the Royal College of Music, and the wider musical community.’ 

Acclaimed pianist Thomas Kelly was awarded the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Rosebowl and gave a performance of Chopin’s Barcarolle op 60 as part of a short concert within the ceremony. He also accompanied fellow prize winner violist Sofía Gómez Alberto, one of this year’s recipients of the Tagore Gold Medals, for Enescu’s Concertstück for violia & piano. Alongside Sofía, Tagore Gold Medals were awarded to countertenor Hugh Cutting, horn player Olivia Gandee, and British Japanese vibraphonist, percussionist, jazz pianist and composer/producer Lewis Kentaro Isaacs. Lewis gave a dynamic performance of Chega de Saudade by Antônio Carlos Jobim (arr Gary Burton) and Hugh sang the serene Orpheus with his Lute by Ralph Vaughan Williams to complete the concert.