Association of British Orchestras honours composer James MacMillan

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has honoured one of Britain’s greatest living composers, James MacMillan by presenting him with the prestigious ABO Award.

The award is given annually to the individual or institution considered by the Association’s member orchestras to have made the most important contribution to the orchestral life of the UK.

Widely considered to be the pre-eminent Scottish composer of his generation, James MacMillan has worked closely with many of the UK’s orchestras and opera companies. His works are regularly programmed by orchestras and conductors around the globe.

Receiving the award at the ABO Conference in Liverpool, James MacMillan said “I am delighted to receive this award from the ABO, and honoured to join such a distinguished list of recipients. I am especially delighted to be one of the four composers who have received the Award, as I have such admiration for the other three: Sir Michael Tippett, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Oliver Knussen.”

Also honoured at the award ceremony were three recipients of a brand new set of awards, presented by the ABO in association with Rhinegold Publishing. The awards were nominated by the members of the ABO and others within the classical music industry.

The winners are:
Orchestra Manager of the Year: Sophie Lewis, General Manager, Sinfonia Cymru
Concert Hall Manager of the Year: Paul Keene, Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham
Artist Manager of the Year: Stephen Lumsden, Chief Executive, Intermusica.