RPS Awards announce winners for 2025

The sought-after current music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will adopt this new role in Berlin from the 2026–27 season.

Helen Shute will begin her new role at English National Opera in November, as the company works to solidify its northern home in Manchester.

Karin Bergmann will oversee the 2026 Festival in the absence of Markus Hinterhäuser, the former Artistic Director who was dismissed in March. 

The LA Phil's new post, beginning in the 2026–27 season, will complement the position of Creative Director in the absence of a Music Director after the departure of Gustavo Dudamel.

Turnage’s opera Festen was among the works and musicians honoured at the 2026 RPS Awards, who also include Peter Moore, Elizabeth Alker, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Kirkaldy Orchestral Society. 

Commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and was due to be premiered at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, but was withdrawn by the composer in protest over President Trump’s actions.