The Queen's Medal for Music 2005

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

The Queen has approved the award of a new medal in the arts world, that of The Queen's Medal for Music.

The purpose of this award is to raise the general profile of music within the UK, and to reward individuals who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation.

Winners of this annual award may be of any nationality but they must have had a major influence on the musical life of the UK.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Master of The Queen's Music, said:

"I am very pleased to welcome the Queen's Medal for Music, as a concrete symbol of the esteem which most of us feel musical life in Britain deserves."

Details were also confirmed today for a 'Concert of Reconcilliation' to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The concert will feature the world premiere of a new work by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in his role as Master of The Queen's Music.

The concert is promoted by the Royal British Legion and will take place on 6 June 2005.

Background

1. The decision on eligibility for the new Medal will be made by a newly appointed Music Committee under the chairmanship of the Master of The Queen's Music. The Committee members are Michael Berkeley, Nicholas Kenyon, William Lyne, the Honourable Sir Humphrey Maud, Richard Morrison and Lord Moser.

2. The designer and the design of the Medal will be announced in due course. All costs will be funded by the Privy Purse.

3. The winner will be announced on 22nd November, St Cecilia's day (St Cecilia being the patron saint of music), which is also the birthday of Benjamin Britten. Accompanied by the Master of The Queen's Music, the winner will be presented with the Medal and a certificate by The Queen.

For further details of the Royal British Legion 'Concert of Reconcilliation', call Teresa Greener on 020 7973 7276. For tickets call Nick Hanner on 020 7973 7285.