News from the Concert Halls Aurora Orchestra announced it will join Southbank Centre’s roster of Resident Orchestras from autumn 2022, and will also renew its 15-year partnership with Kings Place as Resident Ensemble. Barbican announced details for its programme in autumn and winter 2022. Bristol Beacon shared a transformation update in their renovation: scaffolding has been coming down internally and externally, revealing not only the scale of the work, but restored Victorian features. Cadogan Hall published a varied summer programme.
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE & Julia Desbruslais MBE © Getty / Chineke! / Mark Allan
Orchestral Awards Several ABO members were recognised at the Queen's Birthday Honours. Our congratulations go to: Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder and Artistic Director of the Chineke! Foundation on the award of a CBE; Harry Bicket, Artistic Director of The English Concert who was awarded an OBE; and Julia Desbruslais, former Executive Director of London Mozart Players, who was awarded an MBE. Other good friends of the ABO who received honours include David Jackson, Artistic Director of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World (and former interim Director of BBC National Orchestra of Wales), who was an awarded an OBE; Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, who was awarded a CBE; Former Northern Ballet Artistic Director David Nixon who was awarded CBE; and Sir Stephen Hough, who was awarded a knighthood. The winners of the 17th annual BBC Music Magazine Awards included the Orchestral Award going to Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson for their recording of Dutilleux‘s Le Loup, while the Choral Award goes to emotive performances of JS Bach‘s Cantatas, BWV 32, 82 & 106 by the Dunedin Consort. 16
