BSO Resound has been shortlisted for two prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Awards. The nominations were announced on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune programme by Katie Derham.

The BSO is recognised for its work in improving access and prospects for a new generation of disabled talent in the Impact Award. BSO Resound — the disabled-led professional ensemble formed in 2018 — have also received a nomination for the Ensemble Award, past winners include the Aurora Orchestra and The Sixteen. To view the full 2019 RPS Awards shortlist click here.

Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of the BSO said of the news, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received nominations for not just one but two RPS Awards — to be recognised at this level is testament to the dedication of the musicians, staff and audience to create real change both on and off stage for the next generation of disabled talent. Change Maker, James Rose, has been a true inspiration and a catalyst for change across our sector — we’re delighted that the work of BSO Resound has been nominated.”

BSO Resound, under the baton of James Rose, made a high-profile debut performance as the world’s first professional disabled-led ensemble at the 2018 BBC Proms in a whirlwind of critical acclaim.

Following a transformational 18-month journey, the BSO urged business leaders to think differently as it shared insights on improving access and prospects for the next generation of talent, releasing the BSO Change Makers Report in July.

Committed to improving opportunities for the next generation of disabled talent, the BSO commission new music for the ensemble. Alexander Campkin is BSO Resound’s Composer in Residence, and film and TV composer Joss Holden-Rea was announced as Young Composer in Association, in September.

The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards have been described by BBC Radio 3 as ‘the Oscars, the BAFTAs and the Grammys all in one’ for classical music, and celebrate the outstanding, the pioneering, and the inspirational for the sector.

The winners of the 2019 RPS Awards will be announced at Battersea Arts Centre on Thursday 28 November.

[ENDS]

Find high-res images and pdf release available for download above.