The Queen's Birthday Honours

Thursday 22 June 2017

Our warmest congratulations to all individuals associated with the Royal College of Music whose achievements are recognised in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Mezzo soprano and alumna Sarah Connolly is awarded a DBE for Services to Music. Connolly studied piano and singing at the Royal College of Music and became a Fellow of the RCM in 2008. Best known for her baroque and classical roles, she is also committed to promoting new music.

RCM alumnus and Fellow Gerald Finley is awarded a CBE for Services to Opera. After beginning his musical education in Canada, Finley completed his studies at the Royal College of Music and now performs regularly for the world’s major opera houses. He previously held the position of Visiting Professor of Opera at the RCM.

Two other RCM Fellows are honoured: Sir Paul McCartney, who becomes a Companion of Honour, and composer George Benjamin, who is awarded a Knighthood.

Our congratulations to them, and to all of those honoured.

Masterclasses given by Dame Sarah Connolly and Gerald Finley in the Britten Theatre can be viewed on the RCM YouTube channel.