New Elizabethan Award (for guitarists and lutenists)

A biennial award for classical guitarists and lutenists for the performance of solo and/or ensemble music, written by composers from the two Elizabethan ages.
The award has a total value of £15,000 and is generously sponsored by David & Sandra Brierwood, Michael Beverley and the Kathleen Hannay Memorial Charity.

 

The most recent Selection Round took place at the Royal Academy of Music on Wednesday 3rd July. The distinguished Panel comprised Graham Devine, Angela Dixon, Helen Grime MBE, Elizabeth Kenny,  Ian Partridge CBE and Helen Sanderson, with Pastmaster Michael Lewin as non-voting chairman.

Of the eight performances four were by solo guitarists, one by a solo lutenist and the other three were given by ensembles comprising a duo for guitar and soprano/violin; a trio for guitar, flute and viola; and a quintet for lute, soprano, two  viols and recorder/electronics. The Panel were delighted with the remarkable variety and imagination of the candidates’ programmes and noted outstanding qualities in each performance. An article about the Selection Round will appear in the next issue of ‘Preserve Harmony’, our Company magazine.

The holders of the 2024/25 award are