The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) has opened public voting for its 2024 Inspiration Award – and all your choices are Making Music members!
The Inspiration Award, developed in 2021, recognises the often overlooked leisure-time music ensembles or individuals who work with such groups from across the UK. It highlights the outstanding achievements of these groups and individuals whose music has touched and uplifted the hearts of many.
This year four nominees were selected by a panel of experts, and the public are now invited to cast their vote on who they believe deserves the award.
We are thrilled to note that all the nominees of the 2024 RPS Inspiration Award are Making Music members. It’s been a fantastic year for the leisure-time community!
The four nominees are:
Derwent Brass
‘Whilst I cherish the traditional heart-warming sound a brass band can offer, it’s the versatility and musical innovation that sustains the vitality of Derwent Brass. We continue to push boundaries with our events, creative compositions and collaborations that resonate across genres. Driving progress, being financially prudent, inclusive, and environmentally conscious are not easy aspects to balance, but it certainly makes for an exciting journey to be a part of.’
- Steve, percussion and Trustee
Glasgow Madrigrils
'Madrigirls stands out for its remarkable inclusivity and nurturing environment. Our directors are musically brilliant yet ego-free, and they actively mentor less-experienced members to compose, conduct, and improve our vocal skills. Auditions often prioritise those who will most benefit, not always the ‘best’ voices, and members are always supported – one transitioning to a trans man was reassured he would always have a place in the choir, also inspiring a change in how we describe ourselves – as an upper-voice, not female, choir. Through our community, ambition and quality, Madrigirls is genuinely inspiring.’
- Daisy, alto and composer
Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus
‘I’m incredibly proud of Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and our reputation for delivering the goods straightforwardly and with a high degree of reliability. Our amazing professionals push us to very high standards while enabling us to enjoy singing. At the same time everyone is caring and friendly – it makes me really look forward to Tuesdays! It’s been especially great to sing Mahler 2 which is a favourite – a mini-tour with Marcus Posner in 2018, in Monaco with the CBSO Chorus this September, and most of all, the spectacular 2023 Classical Sheffield finale with all our local colleagues. It was a real privilege to sing competition-winning works by young composers, and to have played a part in making it possible for them.’
- Jo, alto
The Sunday Boys
‘It’s nearly 12 months since I joined the choir. Prior to joining I had never sung in public and to my mind had no discernible musical talent. I have now sung with the choir on three separate occasions. The experience, while challenging, has given me a confidence and self-assurance I did not have before. I attribute this to the leadership of the choir who, with patience and ambition, have allowed me to realise my potential. I cannot praise their professionalism and dedication highly enough.’
- Martin, bass
Before you decide on your favourite, make sure to read their full testimonies by clicking the links above. You can then vote using the online form on the RPS website.
Voting closes at 10am on Friday 2 February.
The winner will be announced at the RPS Awards ceremony at 7pm, 5 March 2024 at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music.
Follow the Royal Philharmonic Society on Facebook/Twitter and Instagram
