RPS Awards 2026

Andrew McGregor guides us through highlights from last night's annual Royal Philharmonic Society Awards given at the Queen Elizabeth Hall - the "biggest night in UK classical music" - and eavesdrops on events to bring us both music and contributions from this year's winners.

In a ceremony introduced by Radio 3's own Georgia Mann and Petroc Trelawny, the 2026 RPS Awards celebrate the creativity, talent and achievements of some of the most gifted and creative talents in classical music today. Paying tribute to achievements in the world of composition and conducting, through opera and music theatre, to orchestral and ensemble playing - as well as solo instrumentalists and singers - the awards recognise contributions to musical life by both international performers and the often unsung heroes who bring music-making into the nation's communities, and celebrate the many other outstanding classical musical highlights from the past twelve months.