Whether it is the Classic FM Gramophone Awards or the Classical BRIT Awards or the upcoming Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, the British always have some good classical musicians and composers to vote for.
But don't let the name mislead: even though the RPS Music Awards are sponsored by a British society in collaboration with the British Broadcasting Company's Radio 3 network, a listener doesn't have to be a British citizen in order to cast a vote. The ballots will be available online until noon (GST) on Friday, March 14. All a classical aficionado needs to decide the fate of this year's Listener Award is a computer and an internet connection.
Who's On the Ballot: A Preview
This year's competition offers the public a selection of 10 musicians, from the conductor Jirí Belohlávek to jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock. Just in case a voter can't decide between pianist Llyr Williams or pianist Steven Osborne, the RPS Music awards website indicates when BBC Radio 3 broadcast each nominee's music and what the musician performed. Unfortunately, finding clips of the nominees' music takes some detective work on iTunes, as most of the previous BBC broadcasts are no longer available.
However, to make things just a bit easier, here is a quick overview of the 10 candidates on the RPS Music Awards ballot:
1. Conductor Jirí Belohlávek is the BBC Symphony Orchestra's Chief Conductor. He founded the Prague Philharmonia in 1994 and is still the Music Director Laureate for that orchestra.
2. Christine Brewer is an American soprano. She is currently on tour performing works by Wagner, Richard Strauss, Verdi, Beethoven and Mahler.
3. Mezzo-soprano Alice Cootes has premiered the music of Judith Weir. She also appeared as Carmen in the ENO's recent production of that opera.
4. Conductor Mark Elder is the Music Director of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, England. In 1989, he received the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) award from the Queen.
5. Cellist Stephen Isserlis not only plays an expressive Bach cello suite, but his website offers engaging educational games that introduce visitors to the cello.
6. Pianist Steven Osborne may perform old favorites by Beethoven, but he also specializes in the piano works of Messiaen.
7. Tenor Mark Padmore has performed with the English National Opera and the Welsh National Opera.
8. Violist Lawrence Power shines on an instrument that all too often must play second fiddle.
9. As a jazz pianist, Gwilym Simcock might seem a bit out of place on a ballot dominated by classical artists, but his music demands a listen. He is one of the BBC's New Generation artists.
10. Pianist Llyr Williams is a New Generation artist and a native of Wales. A clip of his performance of Brahms' Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 1 is available below.
Sources
"Jirí Belohlávek (Chief Conductor)." BBC.
"Alice Cootes, Mezzo-Soprano, Full Biography." IMG Artists.
"Mark Elder CBE, Hallé Orchestra Music Director." Bridgewater.
"Lawrence Power, Viola." Hyperion.
"Llyr Williams (Piano)." BBC Music.
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