For ten years from 2012 to 2022, the RPS joined forces with the Association of British Orchestras to present an award in recognition of the extraordinary orchestral musicians working in Britain, recognising not just their wonderful performances onstage, but their devoted work in their communities and beyond.
Initially this was called the Salomon Prize in recognition of violinist Johann Peter Salomon (1745 – 1815) who did so much to enrich the impact and spirit of classical music in Britain, not least encouraging Haydn to come to Britain, and co-founding the RPS. Later, it was renamed the RPS ABO Orchestra Musician Award to make its purpose more immediately apparent and draw greater interest to this profession so deserving of such recognition. From 2024, the ABO changed the nature of its own ABO Awards to recognise orchestral musicians as well as management, so the spirit of this award lives on there.
2022: Chris Stock, Principal Percussionist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Chris has been a star player and stalwart presence in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for some decades. Chris and his fellow players set up The Patagonia Instrument Project following the orchestra's 2015 tour to South America, which to date has sent over £60,000 worth of musical instruments to the region. Read more
2021: Jamie Hutchinson, Sub Principal Violinist, Oxford Philharmonic
Through the challenges of the pandemic, violinist Jamie Hutchinson brought boundless imagination and energy to her role, not only creating work for her fellow players when live concerts ground to a halt, but keeping the audience’s spirits bright when it was needed most. Read more
2021: Beth Higham-Edwards, percussionist, London Chamber Orchestra
Beth Higham-Edwards took the lead of LCO’s principal education project Music Junction, inspiring 10 partner schools in Greater London and Berkshire, including special educational needs schools. Throughout the pandemic, she devoted herself to keeping the initiative alive: being constantly present in weekly Zooms and opening it up for a much wider community. Read more
2020: Jane Mitchell, Principal Flute and Creative Director, Aurora Orchestra
As a distinct creative force and catalyst at the heart of Aurora Orchestra’s programming, presentation and performance, Jane Mitchell continually pushes the boundaries of the orchestra’s work, in the process developing a fresh artistic blueprint which has transformed the expectations of audiences and players. Read more
2019: Janet Fulton, Principal Percussionist, Manchester Camerata
Janet Fulton (pictured right) is recognised for her outstanding vocation as a musician, demonstrating an enthusiasm for a truly diverse range of work, particularly in community and healthcare settings, epitomising the many ways that musicians contribute so positively to society. Read more
2018: David Rimbault, Violinist, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
David Rimbault, who plays second violin with the RLPO is recognised for workingtirelessly and generously to promote positivity and cohesion, and to forge links between the orchestra and management with audience members and donors. As the orchestra's committee chair, he has been a passionate and motivational leader. Read more
2017: Lennox Mackenzie, Violinist, London Symphony Orchestra
Lennox Mackenzie, sub-leader of the LSO and longest serving Chairman in the orchestra's history is recognised for his innate ability, his love of music, and his generosity of spirit. Lennox has commanded the highest respect and authority among colleagues in the orchestra, and with conductors and soloists. He is much respected and loved by the LSO’s wider family of supporters. Read more
2016: Graham Hall, Timpanist/Orchestrator, Sinfonia Viva
Graham Hall, a founding member and former Principal Timpanist of Derby-based Sinfonia Viva is commended for his hugely dedicated service to the orchestra over many years: as a timpanist, player and Musicians' Union rep; and also as a highly-skilled arranger who has enriched the orchestra’s extensive outreach work.' Read more
2015: John Cushing, Clarinet, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
John Cushing, who recently retired as Principal Clarinet of the RSNO after more than three decades with the orchestra, was presented with the award onstage at Usher for constantly sharing his passion for music, as a player-director, on the orchestra's board, as a soloist and in a range of education work. Read more
2014: Catherine Arlidge, Violin, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Catherine Arlidge, Sub Principal of the CBSO second violins has played with the orchestra for over 20 years. She was nominated by her fellow musicians and the CBSO’s management for her creativity, energy and great skill for motivating and inspiring colleagues and for engaging with her audience. Read more
2013: Roy Benson, Double Bass, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
For a second year, a double bass player received the award. Roy Benson was nominated by his fellow musicians and the RPO’s management for his unstinting service to the orchestra over three decades, and for a generosity of spirit and heart which has seen him, as co-principal of the double bass section, provide outstanding leadership and support. Read more
2012: Beatrice Schirmer, Double Bass, The Hallé
Beatrice Schirmer was chosen from nominations received from orchestras across the UK. Beatrice was nominated by her fellow musicians and The Hallé’s management, not just for her considerable skills as a member of the orchestra’s double bass section, but for the remarkable range of other activities which she has embraced in almost two decades with the orchestra. Read more
