The winners of the ABO/Rhinegold Awards have been announced. The gongs recognise the work of managers in the classical music industry, and were presented at during the Association of British Orchestras’ (ABO) annual conference.
In total six prizes were handed out by host and Classic FM presenter Anne-Marie Minhall. The most highly sought of these is the ABO Award, which is voted for by ABO members. This year went it to Chi-chi Nwanoku, recognising her incredible efforts to increase the Black and ethnic minority presence in classical music through the Chineke! Foundation.
Meanwhile Artist Manager of the year went to Kathryn Enticott, who works with performers like Miloš Karadaglić and Alan Gilbert; Royal Concert Hall Nottingham’s Neil Bennison picked up Concert Hall Manager of the Year; and Bob Riley from Manchester Camerata won Orchestra Manager of the Year.
Two special ABO Awards went to Roy McEwan (former chief executive at Scottish Chamber Orchestra) and David Whelton (former managing director at Philharmonia Orchestra) in recognition of their long and dedicated service in classical music management.
ABO also announced the results of a 2016 survey of the orchestral sector during the conference, which looks at the current conditions for British orchestras. The survey highlights several problems in the industry, and notes that while orchestras are playing more they are earning less.
The conference runs from 25-27 January, with the 2017 edition hosted by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
