Posted: 08/03/24
Derwent Brass are believed to be the first brass band in over 200 years of the Royal Philharmonic Society to be presented an RPS Award.
The RPS Inspiration Award 2024 was presented to the band at the annual RPS awards night, described by The Sunday Times as “the biggest night in UK classical music” and for the first time was hosted at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Following a wave of support from within the brass band and local community, notably backed by the UK Leading Bands Forum and online commentators, Derwent Brass was singularly chosen from a shortlist by the public who cast a total of 5,434 votes. Also shortlisted was the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, The Sunday Boys, and the Glasgow Madrigirls, with all groups each receiving over 1000 votes.
The nominees were identified by an expert panel comprising:
- Manvinder Rattan – Chief Executive, Voices Foundation, Musical Director, Hertford Choral Society
- Paul MacAlindin – Conductor, Artistic Director, The Glasgow Barons
- Rachel Lindley –Director, Music Publishing, Oxford University Press
- Rhiannon Harrison – Trombone, Chair, Making Music
- Ula Weber – Choral Conductor and Animateur
Music Director Jack Capstaff proudly accepted the award on behalf of the band, delivering a rousing and well received acceptance speech.
“…Brass bands, for all their foibles, have always been good at giving great access to music making. Derwent go one step further in trying to programme a schedule of concerts, projects, and innovative new music to be able to engage not only those within our existing brass band community, but those wider; those from diverse backgrounds that would otherwise have limited, if any, exposure to western classical music.
It really is a treat to be here representing not only Derwent Brass (who are, as its Music Director, my favourite brass band, in the world!), but also representing brass banding more generally. It is only fitting that the first time a brass band has won an award of such merit is when it is hosted ‘up north’!...”
(Derwent Brass win the 2024 RPS Inspiration Award – Photography by Robin Clewley)
Band Manager, Chris Leonard commented:
“We are truly grateful to everyone who supported and voted for us in the RPS Awards from both our local following and the wider banding community. A huge thank you also to James Murphy, all the team at the Royal Philharmonic Society and indeed the panel for the opportunity. To win this award means so much, for a wide array of reasons, not least of which helping to push brass bands toward centre stage in the expansive classical music world and receiving recognition for trying to do things that bit differently.
It feels like crazy, but brilliant times at Derwent right now, winning this award hot off the back of our podium finish at the regionals and finishing the week in concert with Russell Watson! A final note of thanks to fellow Midlanders ‘Presto Music’ who so kindly sponsored our category.”
(The 2024 RPS Awards – Photography by Robin Clewley)
The RPS Awards were hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Elizabeth Alker and Linton Stephens, with trophies presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly who says “Too often this year, the story of classical music has been one of funding cuts and shrinking provision. Tonight, we present a true picture of classical music’s quality, impact, and radiance across the UK. This year’s RPS Awards winners are representative of music-makers nationwide, who – in challenging times – keep giving the very best of themselves for the benefit of others. We are proud to shine a light on their achievements, and hope it leads to greater recognition and pride for all that they collectively do.”
Longstanding Awards partner BBC Radio 3 broadcast a special RPS Awards programme which is available for a further month on BBC Sounds, giving audiences the opportunity to hear more music from this year’s winners.
A film of the RPS Awards presentation will be freely available to watch for one month on the RPS website from Tuesday 12 March.
For more information visit royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/awards
