Queen's Medal for Music 2014 announced

Published

The Queen has approved the award of Her Majesty’s Medal for Music 2014 to Mr Simon Halsey.

The prize, established in 2005, is awarded to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation.

Mr Halsey will be presented with the award by The Queen at a reception at Buckingham Palace following a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Mr Halsey is the tenth recipient of the award and follows in the footsteps of other well-known recipients such as Bryn Terfel, Dame Emma Kirkby and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

The medal recognises an individual who has had a major influence on the musical life of the nation. The nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee under the chairmanship of the Master of The Queen's Music, currently Judith Weir. The Committee's recommendation is then submitted to The Queen for her approval.

Commenting on the award, Judith Weir said: "Choral conductor Simon Halsey has made a fundamental contribution to European music through his championship of choral singing as a vital part of orchestral performance, a British tradition which stretches back several centuries. In 1983, he took over the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Choruses, now a world-leading ensemble which, having founded several youth and community choruses along the way, he still directs. As a close colleague of Sir Simon Rattle in both Birmingham and Berlin, he has devised and conducted numerous innovative projects in his time with the Berlin Radio Chorus; and more recently has assumed care of the London Symphony Chorus. His lively, participatory style has inspired a new generation of young choral directors, together with a remarkable upsurge of interest in choirs and singing in the UK".

On hearing of the award Mr Halsey said: “I am so surprised and thrilled to receive this extraordinary honour from Her Majesty the Queen. Choral music is a vital part of our national life and is such a force for social and educational good. I’d like to see this medal as recognition of the work of a whole generation of dedicated choral musicians.”

Related content

Press release 20 December 2016

The Queen's Patronages

Read more
Feature

The Winners: The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2016

Find out more about some of the 2016 Queen's Awards for Enterprise winners...
Press release 20 May 2016

The Queen's Medal for Music 2015

Read more
Press release 21 December 2015

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2015

Read more
Feature

Garden Parties

Each year over 30,000 guests are invited to garden parties...
The King speaks to a guest at a Garden Party
Press release 01 December 2014

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2014

Read more
Press release 01 April 2014

New appointments to the Order of the Garter

Read more
Press release 01 May 2013

New appointment to the Order of the Garter

Read more
Press release 29 January 2013

The Queen awards Regius professorships

Read more
Press release 20 December 2012

The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry 2012

Read more
Press release 05 December 2012

Queen's Medal for Music 2012 winner announced

Read more
Press release 13 September 2012

The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Honours List

Read more
Press release 29 May 2012

New appointments to the Order of the Thistle

Read more
Press release 01 January 2012

Appointments to the Order of Merit

Read more
Press release 01 January 2012

The Queen’s Medal for Music 2011

Read more
Press release 14 December 2011

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2011

Read more
Press release 21 January 2011

The Queen’s Medal For Music 2010

Read more
Press release 04 November 2010

Mr Neil MacGregor appointed to the Order of Merit

Read more
Press release 01 December 2009

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2009

Read more
Press release 09 July 2009

New poetry award announced

Read more
Press release 03 November 2008

The Queen's message to Lewis Hamilton

Read more
Press release 14 July 2008

Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order, June 2008

Read more
Press release 12 December 2007

Winner of The Queen's Medal for Music 2007

Read more
Press release 13 June 2007

New members of the Order of Merit 2007

Read more
Press release 23 April 2007

The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry 2007

Read more
Press release 15 April 2007

Annie Liebovitz photographic portraits of The Queen

Read more

A speech by The Queen at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

I know that the renewal of this famous and much-cherished landmark has been a long-held aspiration.

11 October 2006
Press release 19 July 2006

Winner of The Queen's Medal for Music 2006

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Children's Literature Garden Party

We have been reminded that this magic of our childhoods - the characters, the stories, the imagination of it all - is an enduring and essential part of our culture.

25 June 2006
Press release 17 June 2006

Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order, 17 June 2006

Read more
Press release 24 April 2006

The winner of The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry 2006

Read more

State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006

The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.

17 March 2006

Opening of the new colonnade of Sydney Opera House, 13 March 2006

It was universally agreed that the Opera House was something more than a performing arts centre, more than a great work of architecture.

13 March 2006
Press release 16 July 2005

Winner of The Queen's Medal for Music 2005

Read more
Press release 01 May 2005

The Queen's Medal for Music 2005

Read more
Press release 28 April 2005

New members of the Order of Merit announced

Read more
Press release 23 April 2005

Appointments to the Order of the Garter 2005

Read more

State Banquet, President of Italy, 15 March 2005

We in Britain today are enthusiastic admirers of Italian culture, Italian fashion and Italian food.

15 March 2005
Press release 26 February 2005

Music Day at Buckingham Palace

Read more