Kathryn Stott and Sir James MacMillan have been awarded the King’s Medal for Music for 2024 and 2025 respectively. First instituted in 2005, the award is given annually to an outstanding individual or group of musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the UK.
Originating from an idea by Peter Maxwell Davies, the nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee chaired by the Master of the King’s Music, currently Errollyn Wallen, and approved personally by King Charles III. The 2024 and 2025 Medal winners have been announced simultaneously following the recent convening of a new music committee.
Kathryn Stott, an internationally acclaimed pianist who performed professionally as a solo and chamber musician for 46 years from 1978 to 2024, is most noted for her partnership with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Stott now teaches young musicians and is an active Patron of Young Sounds UK and a Trustee of The Countess of Munster Musical Trust. “I am deeply honoured to have been awarded The King’s Gold Medal for Music and hope this will give inspiration to many young musicians who aspire to a life of creativity,” she said. “To have a life nourished by music is a wonderful gift. I am enormously grateful for this recognition not only of my artistic life as a pianist, but also my work with young musicians.”
Sir James MacMillan is a composer, conductor and founder of the Cumnock Tryst annual music festival in East Ayrshire. He came to national attention for his composition work in the early 1990s, leading to a series of prominent appointments. In 2014, Sir James established the Cumnock Tryst annual music festival, which gives artists and musicians a role in the regeneration of Cumnock. “A love of music can lead to a lifetime’s commitment and fulfilment both for listeners and performers (as well as composers, of course)”, Sir James said of his award. “This award will strengthen my resolve to continue the advocacy for music as one of the basic necessities in our lives here in the UK, and is a source of great pride for me.”
The Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen, said: “Kathryn and Sir James are truly outstanding and deserving winners, celebrated not only for their remarkable musical achievements, but also for the inspiring energy and dedication they bring to nurturing musical talent within their communities.”
The award’s first recipient in 2005 was conductor Sir Charles Mackerras. Other recipients include Dame Judith Weir, Sir Colin Davis, the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Nicola Benedetti, Thea Musgrave, John Wallace and Dame Sarah Connolly.
