*
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    


Eagley Band

Broadcast interest in Eagley celebrations

July 8 • The 175th anniversary celebrations of Eagley Band has captured the interest of ITV.


Brighouse

Result: 2025 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 7 • Elland lead the way in claiming the silverware in Brighouse on the weekend


Hammonds

Result: 2025 Dr Martin Wainstone Cup

July 7 • Hammonds gain a healthy boost to their their bank balance as they take the honours in commanding style.


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Epping Forest Band

July 7 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd