Nicola Benedetti leads classical stars in New Year's Honours

The New Year's Honours list has been announced, and features a host of classical music talent. Violinist Nicola Benedetti is to receive an MBE in recognition of her work for music education and charities, especially in her native Scotland.

Benedetti has worked closely with the El Sistema Scotland initiative as a 'Musical Big Sister'. The initiative aims to give instruments and music tuition to deprived school children.

Other classical music figures receiving honours this year include Michael Berman, founder of the Southbank Sinfonia, the London ensemble that employs new music graduates. Berman will receive a CBE.

John Butt of the Dunedin Consort and the University of Glasgow will receive an OBE for his services to music in Scotland. He commented: "My work with these two exceptional organisations has allowed me to explore issues of research and performance practice in an unprecedented way."

OBEs will also go to David Munns and Pauline Etkin, Chairman and Chief Executive of the music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, the main recipient charity of Classic FM's charity appeals in recent years. Classic FM's Managing Director Darren Henley will also receive an OBE for his services to music. He commented: "I'm really very chuffed. For me, it’s the icing on the cake as we round off Classic FM’s 20th birthday year."

Professor Derek Aviss will also receive an OBE. Aviss is the former Principal of Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London. A CBE will also go to Ruth Mackenzie, Director of the Cultural Olympiad.