The distinguished artist manager Martin Campbell-White has been made an Honorary Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society in recognition of his outstanding services to music. He is the 131st recipient since the first honorary membership was made to Carl Maria von Weber in 1826.

In a 40-year career in artist management, Martin Campbell-White has represented many of the world’s leading conductors, instrumentalists and vocalists. He started his career with Ibbs and Tillett in the late 1960s, joined Harold Holt in the early 1970s and subsequently led the merger between Lies Askonas in the late 1990s to form Askonas Holt. He stepped back earlier this year at the age of 70 from his role as joint chief executive of Askonas Holt, but continues to work with them in an active advisory role.

The presentation of the certificate of Honorary Membership was made by RPS Gold Medallist, Sir Simon Rattle, on stage during a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican on Sunday 1 June 2014.

In its citation, the Council of the Royal Philharmonic Society says:

"Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Andrew Davis, Daniel Harding, Edward Gardner, Robin Ticciati – a roll call of the internationally acclaimed British orchestral conductors of the last 40 years. All have been identified, nurtured, managed, advised and supported in their careers by Martin Campbell-White, and together they have helped forge the UK’s extraordinary reputation for producing musicians of world class.

If you add to that his many long term associations with artists such as Bernard Haitink, Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, Murray Perahia, Robert Tear, John Lill, Julian Bream, it is clear that Martin has been at the forefront of international artist management for decades.

In addition to working with his artists, Martin has given generously of his time – he was a Director of the London Sinfonietta and the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, and has done much pro-bono work for charitable causes including his current position as a trustee of Help Musicians.

The world of classical music both in the UK and internationally would be a poorer place were it not for Martin’s tireless dedication to its mission to bring life enhancing experiences to audiences here and across the world. The RPS is proud to make him an honorary member – the first artist manager ever to receive this honour."

► Read the press release
► More about RPS Honorary Membership

2 June 2014