Oliver Knussen wins RPS Music Award

Oliver Knussen: credit Clive Barda

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group would like to congratulate composer and conductor Oliver Knussen, who last night scooped the RPS Music Award for Conductor.

We are very fortunate that Oliver Knussen, in his role as BCMG Artist in Association, regularly conducts BCMG concerts and we are delighted that he’s received this national recognition from the Royal Philharmonic Society. The jury had this to say about him after presenting the award...

'A uniquely influential musician in the British music world for many years, he also happens to be a world class conductor, who appears regularly across the length and breadth of the UK. Blessed with one of the best pairs of ears in the business, his performances are illuminated with authority and interpretative insight, be it Schumann, Stravinsky or the latest work of a young composer. Open-minded, inspirational, with the ability to cast new light on all he touches, he is Oliver Knussen.'

The RPS Music Awards are the highest recognition for live classical music-making in the United Kingdom. These independent awards were set up in 1989 to celebrate the outstanding musical achievements of both young and established, British and International, musicians.

We are proud that we were once again recognised as one of the UK’s best ensembles by being shortlisted in the RPS Music Award for Ensemble category and would like to congratulate London Sinfonietta on winning the award. We look forward to welcoming Oliver Knussen back to Birmingham during our 2010-11 Season, where he will conduct two concerts, one in November and the other in March.

For more information about the RPS Music Awards and to see the complete list of catergories and winners please click here.