President's Visit 2018
Wednesday 14 March 2018
Marking 25 years as President of the Royal College of Music, HRH The Prince of Wales today honoured some of those who have made important contributions to music in a ceremony at the RCM’s South Kensington home.
Celebrated pianist Sir András Schiff, who has given several masterclasses at the RCM in recent years, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. Nicholas McCarthy was made an HonRCM; Nicholas has enjoyed a flourishing career since becoming the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the RCM in 2012. Pioneering genetic scientist Professor Lord Winston was made a Fellow of the RCM (FRCM). Lord Winston has led important breakthroughs in IVF treatment and is a lifelong music lover. Chairman of the RCM for ten years from 2007 to 2017, he was recently made Vice President of the Royal College of Music by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Professor Lord Winston said: ‘I am passionate about the Royal College of Music and immensely proud to be honoured in today’s ceremony. As Vice President of the College and now Fellow, I look forward to my continued association with the RCM for many years to come and remain committed to an institution which nurtures the most exceptional musical talent from across the globe.’
One of UK radio’s most beloved personalities Sean Rafferty MBE, who has presented BBC Radio 3’s In Tune for 20 years, was made an HonRCM. Victoria, Lady Robey OBE, founder of the charity London Music Masters and member of the RCM Council from 2007 to 2017 was also honoured.
The ceremony featured performances from award winners and exceptional recent graduates including recorder player and Queen Elizabeth Rose Bowl recipient Katie Cowling, bass-baritone Julien Van Mallaerts and violist Bryony Gibson-Cornish, both recipients of prestigious Tragore Gold Medals. Composer and pianist Eduardo Andrade, an RCM scholar who has scored 25 projects internationally in the past two years, was the recipient of the President’s Award at the ceremony.
Professor Colin Lawson CBE, Director of the Royal College of Music, said: ‘The annual visit by our President, HRH The Prince of Wales, is a highlight of the Royal College of Music calendar. I am delighted to welcome him in this anniversary year to honour the individuals who have made important contributions to the musical community.’
In 25 years as President of the Royal College of Music, HRH The Prince of Wales has honoured some of the music industry’s most eminent figures. Internationally renowned performers Vladimir Ashkenazy, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Lang Lang have received Honorary Doctorates, along with composers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Steve Reich. Violinist Nicola Benedetti, conductor John Wilson and songwriter and keyboardist Rick Wakeman have all been honoured with Fellowships.
