► View the shortlist here

Some of the best-known names in classical music are vying for the UK’s top prizes for live classical music, alongside invigorating new artists and the often-unsung heroes who are inspiring audiences with classical music across every part of the UK. From nearly 300 nominations in 13 categories, the 65 independent, expert jurors have chosen this year's shortlisted nominations.

Regional organisations and events dominate the shortlists. Amongst those making the cut are: Welsh National Opera; Opera North; Garsington Opera; Birmingham Opera; Ulster Orchestra (which has bounced back from threat of closure in 2014); Manchester Camerata; the Leeds Lieder Festival; Cheltenham Music Festival; East Lothian’s Lammermuir Festival; Fife’s East Neuk Festival; South West Open Youth Orchestra and Age UK Oxfordshire.

John Gilhooly, Royal Philharmonic Society Chairman comments:

"The RPS Music Awards jurors were struck by the depth of quality and imagination of artists and organisations from right across the country. The shortlists are fizzing with energy, ambition and invention. They celebrate not just musical excellence, but a very tangible pioneering artistic spirit: outstanding musicians and organisations who want to share and encourage musical excellence, investigate new creative avenues and to see live music make a real difference to the world we live in. Congratulations to them all"

The RPS Music Awards are independent and peer-judged. The winners will be announced at The Brewery on 9 May 2017.

► See the full shortlist here
► Download the Press Release
► Find out more about the RPS Music Awards

4 April 2017