For the outstanding quality and scope of the performances and the work in any context of an individual performer on any instrument in the UK.

Peter Moore – trombone

'Peter Moore is a man on a mission. Relinquishing his principal seat at the London Symphony Orchestra, he’s set out to prove the brilliance of the trombone as a solo instrument. His cool virtuosity and tone wowed the crowds at the BBC Proms, and in concertos with the BBC Scottish Symphony and Ulster Orchestras. Online, his specially-made videos are enticing new recruits to the instrument. Especially cheering is his embrace of the brass banding world where he began, evoked in the gorgeous new album he’s created with Tredegar Band.'

Also shortlisted:

• Nicholas McCarthy – piano
• Vilde Frang – violin

The 2026 shortlist for the RPS Instrumentalist Award was decided by an independent panel drawn from across the music profession comprising:

Beth Higham-Edwards – Percussion / Founder, Gender and the Large Shiny Instruments
Dougie Scarfe – Chief Executive, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Etta Dainty – Senior Artist Manager, YCAT
Kathryn McDowell – Managing Director, London Symphony Orchestra
Raymond Yiu – Composer