The Queen’s Medal for Music 2013

The Queen has approved the award of Her Majesty’s Medal for Music 2013 to operatic baritone and opera director Sir Thomas Allen CBE. The prize, established in 2005, is awarded to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation. Sir Thomas will be presented with the award by The Queen at an audience later this year.

Sir Thomas is the ninth winner of the award and follows in the footsteps of other well-known recipients such as Bryn Terfel, Dame Emma Kirkby and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Sir Thomas Allen says, “I was surprised and thrilled to hear I would receive The Queen's Medal for Music having had so much recognition over many years. This very special award means so much to me and I'm very proud to have been selected.”

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies says, “Sir Thomas was a top opera singer who has become not only a top opera director but also a major force in outreach and musical education. Through the Samling Foundation, he has carried out utterly selfless work for charity and, above all, for young people, and it is for this achievement of a lifetime that The Queen's Medal for Music Committee felt so strongly persuaded to award him the Medal.”