The presentation was made by RPS Chairman, John Gilhooly, at the RPS Music Awards on Tuesday 10 May 2011 at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

The citation from the Royal Philharmonic Society read:

"It is now 30 years since the 20 year old George Benjamin blazed in to public view with a performance of his Ringed by the Flat Horizon at the BBC Proms. Since then he has won audiences over worldwide with his beautifully crafted and uncannily beautiful and expressive music.

But George brings the same virtuosity, integrity, care and consideration to everything he does: whether as a pianist, teacher, spellbinding speaker, programmer or internationally acclaimed conductor.

He is a consummate musician and enriches our lives. The Royal Philharmonic Society is proud to make George Benjamin an Honorary Member."