Inspiration Award
In recent years, we have introduced the RPS Inspiration Award, recognising the remarkable achievements of non-professional musical groups nationwide. Uniquely among the RPS Awards, the recipient of this one is chosen by public vote.
For years, the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards have celebrated the finest classical music-making across the UK. We recently introduced the Inspiration Award – kindly supported in 2025 by our friends at Presto Music – for a non-professional self-run ensemble or individuals who work with such groups, in recognition of the remarkable constellation of such music-makers, often overlooked in awards such as these.
Unlike the other RPS Awards whose winners are chosen by expert independent panels, the winner of this RPS Award is fittingly chosen by the public. A shortlist of four exceptional entities was assembled by a panel who themselves work with non-professional groups and, from these, the public were invited to vote for whom they feel should receive this year’s award. Over 5,000 votes were received, reflecting the huge admiration and pride UK-wide for groups and individuals like these.
Our 2025 winner is Belfast's Open Arts Community Choir.
Also shortlisted were:
The RPS is particularly thankful to Making Music – the UK’s principal organisation supporting leisure-time music-making – for their help and insights in planning this award.
Previous recipients of the RPS Inspiration Award include Derwent Brass in 2024, Torbay Symphony Orchestra in 2023, and Hilary Campbell and Bristol Choral Society in 2021.
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