ABO/Classical Music Awards: winners named

Hosted this year by Classic FM's Margherita Taylor, the awards recognise those who contribute to the success of the UK’s classical music industry within the fields of orchestral, concert hall and artist management.

Winner of the Artist Manager of the Year category was Moema Parrott, who is president of HarrisonParrott France and CEO of PolyArts. Moema was praised by colleagues for the innovation and creativity she has shown in spearheading a range of digital initiatives as part of PolyArts and HarrisonParrot, as well as supporting Lorna Aizlewood in the founding of major new digital platform, Virtual Circle.

Concert Hall Manager of the Year went to John Gilhooly of Wigmore Hall, for his extraordinary achievement in curating Wigmore Hall's series of online performances – the first to take place in any UK hall following the first lockdown.

Orchestra Manager of the Year was awarded to Crispin Woodhead, chief executive of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Crispin is commended for his leadership in the creation of digital platform, the OAE Player, and the orchestra’s initiative with Acland Burghley School in London which has seen the orchestra become the first in Britain to take up a full, active residence in a secondary school. 

Nominations in the category of orchestra management were so vast and impressive that the panel decided to present an additional commendation. This goes to Greg Felton, digital creative at the London Philharmonic Orchestra, for his work expanding the LPO’s online presence over the past year.

The ABO presented its ABO Special Awards to two recently retired orchestra chiefs and former ABO Chairs, for the leadership they brought and the orchestras they served: John Summers of The Halle, and Tim Walker of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.