Marin Alsop has received the ABO Award, in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to the orchestral life of the UK, and in particular her support for women conductors.” Four other awards were also presented as part of the annual ABO (Association of British Orchestras) Rhinegold Awards.
Giving her thank you speech via video, Alsop dedicated her win to “future generation of conductors, musicians and audiences.”
“It’s an incredible honour to receive this award,” she said. “I fell in love with British orchestras when I first conducted here in the 1990s; not only are they incredible musicians with an admirable and intense work ethic, they are always a lot of fun. This recognition means a great deal, not only to me, but to everyone I work with.“
Also will collect her award on 4 February at a concert at the Royal Festival Hall.
The other prizes went to Bettina Mehne and Bernhard Kerres (Artist Manager of the Year); Richard Heason (Concert Hall Manager of the Year); Sue Mallet (Orchestral Manager of the Year); while a special ABO Award went to John Smith, former General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union.
The award ceremony was part of ABO’s annual conference, which this year runs from 24-26 January in Cardiff.