Thirteen exceptional musicians were honored with prestigious awards by London’s Royal Academy of Music (RAM) during its 2024 graduation ceremony on July 5.
Among the top honorees was percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who received an honorary DMus degree in recognition of her illustrious career as a soloist. Additionally, renowned pianist Alfred Brendel was named RAM’s Honorary Vice-President.
Honorary Memberships were awarded to singer, songwriter, and composer Rufus Wainwright; the highly acclaimed composer Errollyn Wallen; and the celebrated opera and concert soprano Carolyn Sampson. Wallen is among the most performed living composers globally, while Sampson has recently marked the release of her 100th album.
Baritone and composer/arranger Roderick Williams, who recently performed at the Coronation, was also granted Honorary Membership. He was joined by Alasdair Tait, Chief Executive/Artistic Director of Young Classical Artists Trust, and Anthony Gritten, the Academy’s Head of Undergraduate Programmes.
Fellowships were bestowed upon set designer Es Devlin and Peter Holder, Principal Organist at the Queen’s funeral and the Coronation. Honorary Fellowships went to Registrar and Director of Student Operations Catherine Jury and Damien Wisniewski, Chief Financial Officer of Derwent and serving Governing Body Member.
“I’m extremely touched and grateful to receive this, especially as the Royal Academy of Music has played such a pivotal role in my development as a professional musician,” said Dame Evelyn Glennie at the ceremony. “I’m incredibly humbled to be standing here in the same room with so many of my fellow colleagues whom I have the utmost respect and admiration for.”
