A founding member and until recently, Principal Timpanist of Derby-based Sinfonia Viva, Graham Hall has been awarded the RPS/ABO Salomon Prize. Making the Award the RPS and ABO said:

“Graham's hugely dedicated service has extended way beyond his performing career. He is also a highly skilled arranger – a great art in itself, and he is broadening Sinfonia Viva’s repertoire with tailor-made pieces that reflect his own optimistic and characterful personality.

As Player and Musicians Union rep he has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Orchestra. He has charted his way skilfully and tactfully through many difficult negotiations, always winning the respect and affection of his colleagues however widely diverse their views may be.

He has always been a passionate advocate for the orchestra’s extensive outreach work, and, as an ambassador for Sinfonia Viva, his enthusiasm and integrity have inspired his fellow musicians to join him in going the extra mile”.

He was presented with the Award by RPS Executive Director, Rosemary Johnson and Mark Pemberton, Director of the ABO, at a Sinfonia Viva concert on Wednesday 2 March at Derby Cathedral – his 56th birthday. The programme, conducted by Duncan Ward, featured Graham’s “most ambitious arrangements to date” of Mahler’s 1st Symphony, and Ravel’s String Quartet in F major.

The UK boasts many of the world’s finest orchestras, many of which have trophy cabinets bursting with awards in testimony to their brilliance on the concert platform and in the recording studio. Yet, the contribution of individual musicians within an orchestra often goes unnoticed. The Salomon Prize was created by the Royal Philharmonic Society and Association of British Orchestras in 2011 to celebrate the ‘unsung heroes’ of orchestral life; the orchestral players that make our orchestras great. The award is named after Johann Peter Salomon, violinist and founding member of the Philharmonic Society in 1813. Each year, players in all orchestras across the UK are asked to nominate a colleague who has been ‘an inspiration to their fellow players, fostered greater spirit of teamwork and shown commitment and dedication above and beyond the call of duty’.

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23 February 2016