*
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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd