*
banner

Her Majesty's Medal for Music awarded to John Wallace CBE

The renowned Scottish trumpet player, educator, composer and arts leader is to be the recipient of the Her Majesty's Medal for Music.

wALLACE
  John Wallace CBE joins a renowned list of former recipients.

Buckingham Palace has announced that The Queen has approved the 2021 award of Her Majesty's Medal for Music to John Wallace CBE.

The internationally renowned Scottish trumpet soloist, composer and educator is the seventeenth recipient of the award. He joins a list that has included Sir Charles Mackerras, Bryn Terfel, Judith Weir, Sir Colin Davis and Thea Musgrave.

Outstanding

The Queen's Medal for Music was established in 2005 at the suggestion of former Master of The Queen's Music, the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. It is awarded annually to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation.

Born in Fife in 1949, his remarkable musical career spans his lifetime — starting in the brass band movement with Tullis Russell Band. His professional encompasses playing with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Renowned

A renowned educator and promoter of arts education, he served as Head of the Brass Faculty at the Royal Academy of Music in London, before becoming Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

The founder of the Wallace Collection, which has toured all over the world, and is now based in Scotland as a partner of the St Andrews Music Participation (StAMP) Project, it has given 150 youngsters across Fife the opportunity to start learning a brass instrument since the start of the pandemic.

John Wallace currently convenes the Music Education Partnership Group, which worked to secure free instrumental tuition in Scottish state schools.

I am honoured and humbled to accept this award. I work with many teams of inspiring musicians across every genre of music and aspect of music education in ScotlandJohn Wallace CBE

Approval

The nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee chaired by the Master of The Queen's Music, Judith Weir. The committee meet annually to discuss their nominees before submitting their recommendation to The Queen for approval.

Commenting on the award, Judith Weir said: "Following his stellar career as a trumpet player, John Wallace transformed arts education during his stewardship of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His creativity and energy remain an inspiration and example to everyone in the musical world."

Honoured

On hearing of the award, John Wallace said: "I am honoured and humbled to accept this award. I work with many teams of inspiring musicians across every genre of music and aspect of music education in Scotland.

I just light the touch-paper and stand back. This award is recognition of the indomitable spirit of those musicians."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd