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 Award is chosen by public vote.

Open Arts Community Choir

‘Belfast’s Open Arts Community Choir sets fantastic musical standards, uniting disabled and non-disabled people from different backgrounds through the power of song. Led by the tireless Beverley McGeown, they bring joy to so many civic events across Belfast and beyond. Their albums are so uplifting. Game for anything, they even created the soundtrack to an installation at London’s Serpentine Gallery.'

Also shortlisted:

• Katrina Marzella-Wheeler
• The Pink Singers
• Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra

Each year, the winner of this RPS Award is chosen by public vote. A shortlist of four exceptional entities was assembled by a panel who themselves are dedicated year-round to working with non-professional groups and, from these, we invited the public to vote for whom they felt should receive this year’s award. The panel comprised:

Ankna Arockiam – Singer / Founder, Glasgow Sitare
Dorothy Wilson – Chair, Making Music / Former Chief Executive, Midlands Arts Centre
Matthew Greenall – Executive Director, Walled City Music, Derry
Michael Betteridge – Composer / Artistic Director, The Sunday Boys
Tom Spurgin – Head of Learning and Engagement, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

We are very grateful to the 5,185 members of the public who then proceeded to cast their vote for one of the shortlisted nominees.