Classical music industry recognised in King's Birthday Honours

Florence Lockheart
Monday, June 19, 2023

Industry members recognised in the inaugural Honours List include BSO's Dougie Scarfe, LSO's Kathryn McDowell, Opera North's Richard Mantle and performers including Tasmin Little and Nicky Spence

'At a time when our sector faces such huge challenges, this incredible honour gives such a boost for the battles ahead.' Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra chief executive Dougie Scarfe has been awarded an OBE for services to music © Corin Messer
'At a time when our sector faces such huge challenges, this incredible honour gives such a boost for the battles ahead.' Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra chief executive Dougie Scarfe has been awarded an OBE for services to music © Corin Messer

The King’s inaugural Birthday Honours List has this year included recognition for members of the classical music sector. The list, published on 16 June, revealed honours set to be awarded to arts administrators, conductors, musicians and a violin maker.

London Symphony Orchestra managing director Kathryn McDowell CBE DL has been awarded a Dame commander of the order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to music, while Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra chief executive Dougie Scarfe (pictured) is set to receive an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the arts. This award follows Scarfe’s receipt of the ABO/Classical Music Orchestra Manager of the Year award in February of this year for his work improving inclusion and accessibility in classical music.

Scarfe said: ‘All I have ever wanted is for others to have the chance to experience the life-enhancing impact of music and culture. Never has it been more important to bring joy to people, and, at a time when our sector faces such huge challenges, this incredible honour gives such a boost for the battles ahead. Throughout my career I have been lucky to work with the most extraordinary people, and this honour is really also for them.’

Dr Richard Mantle OBE DL, the outgoing general director of Opera North who is due to step down at the end of this year, has been awarded a Knights Bachelor for his services to opera while violinist Tasmin Little OBE has been awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to music. Other performers receiving recognition in this year’s Birthday honours include soprano Lucy Crowe, violinist Jyotsna Srikanth and tenor Nicky Spence, who all receive OBEs for their services to Music.

Further honours recipients are listed below:

  • Conductor Ivor Bolton, receives a CBE for services to music.
  • Chair of Scottish Opera, Peter Lawson, receives a CBE for services to the arts in Scotland
  • Chair of the UK Music Education Council, Philip Castang, receives an OBE for services to music education
  • Composer Jennie Muskett receives an OBE for services to music
  • Violin maker Colin Garrett receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) For services to violin making
  • Edwin Gray receives a BEM for services to choral music in Northern Ireland
  • Organist, teacher and conductor Gordon Stewart receives a BEM for services to music
  • Conductor and artistic director of Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir, Dr Andrew Padmore, receives a BEM for services to music

Also receiving a BEM is Kathleen Evans, chair of Leeds Lieder, who receives recognition for her services to the arts. This award comes just two weeks after the Leeds-based music festival launched a crowdfunding campaign to enable it to continue to operate following a 100 per cent cut to its funding from Arts Council England.