The Award is presented, usually every two years, in recognition of those who work tirelessly 'backstage' to champion new music. It is not for composers or performers, but for programmers, publishers, broadcasters, administrators, educationalists and figures from the recording industry. 

The Award recognises George's bold and unwavering commitment to programming contemporary British composers throughout his career, including as Artistic Director of Presteigne Festival for over 30 years. Dedicated to supporting and championing music creators, George has brought to life over 150 world premieres and given a significant platform to countless works from both established and early-career composers. He is also the Founder Artistic Director of Nova Music Opera and Music Director of Bushey Symphony Orchestra. 

The Award is given in memory of Leslie Boosey (1887 – 1979), the music publisher who merged his family firm to establish Boosey & Hawkes, one of the world's leading publishing companies. He was responsible for cultivating and promoting a range of eminent composers as well as striving to achieve better rights and royalties in perpetuity for composers internationally. 

Previous recipients have included Amelia Freedman, founder and director of the Nash Ensemble; Southbank Centre's Director of Music Gillian Moore, music publishers Sally Groves, Sally Cavender and Bill Colleran; Jackie and Stephen Newbould for their work running the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group; NMC Recordings and Colin Matthews, not for his work as a composer but in founding NMC and his work on behalf of the Britten Estate and The Red House in Aldeburgh; Fiona Robertson, Director of Aberdeenshire's sound festival; and most recently Susanna Eastburn for her work building more nurturing and equitable pathways for music creators at Sound and Music. You can read more about the Award and its recipients on our website here.

Harriet Wybor, RPS General Manager says: 'Presteigne Festival devotees and composers alike will know that bringing new music to life requires hard work and dedication. Not just from those writing and performing music on stage, but from those with the vision to encourage composers to share their imagination, to support them in their creative endeavours through commissions and mentoring, and to programme exciting new music for audiences to hear. We see this in action here at Presteigne Festival each year, and we are delighted to present this Award to its Artistic Director for over 30 years, George Vass.'

The Award – a resplendent bronze eagle commissioned from renowned sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink – was presented to George by RPS General Manager Harriet Wybor at the opening reception of Presteigne Festival, a place of creativity, innovation and community in the Welsh Marches.