Queen's Medal for Music 2012 winner announced

Published 05 December 2012

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

The Queen has tonight presented the award of Her Majesty’s Medal for Music to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO) at London’s Barbican Hall.

The annual prize, which is awarded to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation, was received by members of the NYO during the London Symphony Orchestra’s Queen's Medal for Music Gala Concert.

The NYO is the first organisation to receive the award and is the eighth winner since the prize was established in 2005, following in the footsteps of well known recipients such as Bryn Terfel, Sir Colin Davis, Dame Emma Kirkby and Nicholas Daniel.

Sarah Alexander, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain said:

“Being presented with The Queen’s Medal for Music by Her Majesty The Queen herself is a fantastic accolade for our teenagers who are committed ambassadors for their art form. This award recognises their hard work and dedication to music-making, who through their performances and projects cascade their love of music as a life-affirming activity to thousands of other musicians and music lovers across the country. It is fitting that the presentation took place at a London Symphony Orchestra concert, especially as one fifth of its current members came up through the NYO. We look forward to continuing to champion the development of young musicians and shaping the future of the orchestra.”

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies said:

“I am delighted that the NYO is this year’s winner of The Queen’s Medal for Music. This award celebrates the overwhelmingly positive influence the NYO has had on the musical world as the standard-bearer for youth orchestras, both at home and abroad. When you conduct an orchestra its quality is always enhanced by a core of former NYO members and the boundless talent that they bring. The NYO is undoubtedly a worthy and deserving recipient of this year’s award.”