 Volkov is said to be one of the most significant conductors of his generation |
The conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, has won one of the UK's top classical music awards. He has been named Best Young Artist of 2004 at the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards in London.
At the age of 27, the Israeli-born conductor is the youngest person ever to lead a BBC orchestra.
He was appointed to the role in January last year and has led the orchestra in a number of high profile concerts.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, the conductor said he thought it a great privilege but said the award was as much for the Scottish Symphony Orchestra as it was for himself.
Born in Israel in 1976, Ilan Volkov started playing the violin at the age of six and was conducting by his mid-teens.
He previously held the position of principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 1997 to 2000 and has been described by critics as "one of the most significant conductors of his generation".
Sir Richard Armstrong MBE, artistic director of Scottish Opera, won the society's Opera Award for SO's production of the Ring at the awards ceremony.