Kirill Karabits receives honorary fellowship from Arts University Bournemouth

Conductor Kirill Karabits has been awarded an honorary fellowship by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) chief conductor was awarded his fellowship at the university’s 2023 graduation in recognition of his dedication to arts and culture on the South Coast.

Karabits announced in January that he will be stepping down from the BSO podium next summer, ending his 15-year tenure as chief conductor to become the BSO’s conductor laureate and artistic director of its Voices from the East series from autumn 2024.

Accepting his award, Karabits said: ‘I’m truly honoured to accept this award from Arts University Bournemouth. Throughout my time on the South Coast I’ve continually felt impressed by the quality of work that AUB’s students and alumni produce, and am proud to have worked on collaborative projects between the BSO and AUB. This award means a lot and I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s celebrations.’

The BSO’s partnership with AUB has included several projects led by Karabits including visual arts projects presented alongside works by Berlioz and Strauss. Celebrating people who have made a significant contribution in the fields of arts, design, media and performance, fellowship recipients are nominated by AUB staff, students and alumni. Karabits joins a legacy of AUB Fellows including filmmaker Edgar Wright, actor Adjoa Andoh, architect Lord Norman Foster, dancer Darcey Bussell and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.

AUB principal and vice-chancellor Paul Gough said: ‘Kirill’s work with the next generation of bright musicians and creatives is deeply inspiring, as is his commitment to encouraging diversity. We hope recognition of Kirill’s contribution to music, particularly here on the South Coast, will inspire our young graduates in the fields of arts, media and performance.’