For the outstanding quality and scope of the performances to a live or digital audience, and the work in any context, of a conductor in the UK.

Kazuki Yamada

'Kazuki Yamada has quickly become a local hero. As Music Director of the CBSO, he’s brought finesse and effervescence to must-see concerts at Symphony Hall. He’s set a gold standard in his embrace of the community. He’s bringing such joy to working with CBSO’s youth orchestra, and delighting citizens in the Bullring shopping centre and even on the city’s trams!'

Also shortlisted:

• Dinis Sousa
• Nil Venditti

The 2025 shortlist for the RPS Conductor Award was decided by an independent panel drawn from across the music profession comprising:

Alistair Mackie – Chief Executive, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Lisa Tregale – Director, BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Margaret Cookhorn – Principal Contrabassoon, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra 
Philip Noyce – Managing Editor, Classic FM
Sarah Tenant-Flowers – Conductor