This nomination is in recognition of our cross-border project, produced for Make Music Day in June this year. We got together with Phoenix and rehearsed and recorded their arrangement of the rousing march ‘Entry of the Gladiators’, by Czech composer Julius Fučík.
Watch our video at https://youtu.be/fK6tIAaKAFI
These are the ASO Members who took part: Emily Manson Soprano Wiktoria Chojnacka & Jacqueline Shanks Alto, Foss Foster, Caroline Thompson, Norman Smith Tenor.
Speaking about the project, RPS Chief Executive James Murphy said: “While the pandemic isolated us all to some extent, it’s stirring to hear of people nationwide who brightly, brilliantly found ways to make connections they hadn’t before. Connecting with each other, ASO and Phoenix have found fresh drive, energy, and new friends for life. Shared Zoom rehearsals led to this expression of true unity − an encounter which everyone cherished, and which looks set to continue both online and in person.”
The RPS awards are widely considered to be the highest accolades in the UK for classical music, celebrating excellence and innovation, and recognition by the RPS is a guarantee of outstanding musical achievement. BBC Radio 3, who are the media partner for the RPS Awards say that “for classical music, it’s like the Oscars, the BAFTAs and the Grammys all in one”.
These awards usually go to professional musicians, with past winners including percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, singer Bryn Terfel and conductor Simon Rattle. But this year, the RPS has chosen to present one of its awards − the ‘Inspiration Award’ − exclusively to a non-professional group.
The six shortlisted nominees have been selected from literally thousands of potential projects nationwide by a panel of experts.
The nominees are now being featured prominently on the RPS website where you can go to cast your vote.
The deadline for votes is 11am on 30 September 2021
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Wigmore Hall on 1 November.