Wolverhampton city orchestra nominated for prestigious Royal Society award
A city symphony orchestra has been shortlisted for a prestigious royal award in recognition of its work providing music for young people.
The Royal Philharmonic Society has shortlisted Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra in the ‘Award for Inspiration’ category at the RPS Awards 2025 for its ongoing work with Wolverhampton Music Service and children and young people in the city.
The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards celebrate the finest classical music-making across the UK and the Inspiration Award is for non-professional, self-run ensembles or individuals who work with such groups and, uniquely among the RPS Awards, the recipient is chosen by public vote.
The orchestra works closely with the Wolverhampton Council-run Music Service to present free concerts for schools, and also offers free tickets for school-aged children to its annual programme of concerts in the city.
Conductor Peter Morris said: "It was a surprise, pleasure and a privilege to hear out of the blue that we had been nominated for an award.
"This would be an excellent achievement for the orchestra and the Music Service, and an endorsement of our city’s great musical heritage.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, added: "Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra plays a valuable role in the local community, bringing classical music to a wide range of people and working with our Music Service to support and inspire a growing number of children and young people.
"Students are able to attend its concerts for free, and the orchestra offers reduced-price tickets to families of young people participating in programmes run by the Music Service.
"In addition, Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra is also working with the Music Service and Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra to present free concerts for more than 2,500 secondary school pupils at The Halls Wolverhampton next month.
"It is well deserving of national recognition, and so I would encourage people to vote for Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra to win the Award for Inspiration at this year's RPS Awards."
Cast your vote for the RPS Awards by filling in the online form here.
Voting is open until 11am on Monday, February 3, and the winner will be announced at the RPS Awards on Thursday, March 6 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
