RPS nominations for MA artists

François-Xavier Roth, Aaron Azunda Akugbo and Elena Urioste's Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective are among the nominees for this year's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, announced today, in the Conductor, Young Artist and Ensemble categories, respectively.

Previous winners of the Conductor award include Bernard Haitink, Simon Rattle, Colin Davis and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Young Artist winners have included Ilan Volkov, Angelika Kirchschlager, Gustavo Dudamel and Igor Levit.

The RPS was founded in 1813 and commissioned Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Nominations for the awards are made by RPS members and shortlisted by an expert panel, with the stated aim being to 'shine much-needed light on inspirational individuals, groups and initiatives whose music has lifted hearts and minds across the nation'.

The final winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 March at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a special programme on the winners and nominees on Wednesday 6 March.

The Conductor award is supported by Schott Music, Young Artist by Sir Simon and Victoria, Lady Robey CBE, and Ensemble by Steinberg’s Dorico.