Choral and classical music figures recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Paul McCreesh, conductor and founder of Gabrieli, has been appointed CBE for services to music and music education. McCreesh is known internationally for his work as a conductor, including historically informed performance, large-scale choral projects and education activity connected with Gabrieli’s work.

Composer Roxanna Panufnik has been appointed OBE for services to music and charity. Panufnik’s music includes works for choirs, opera, ballet, orchestra and chamber forces, and she has a particularly strong connection with the UK’s choral and liturgical music scene.

Diana Ambache, musician, broadcaster and writer, has been appointed MBE for services to music and education. Ambache has long been associated with advocacy for women composers and with bringing underrepresented repertoire to wider public attention.

Opera is represented by Anthony Negus, musical director of Longborough Festival Opera, who has been appointed CBE for services to opera, Mozart, Wagner and young artists.

There was also recognition for community and grassroots music. Rita Helen Lewis, known as Helen Hopkins, receives the British Empire Medal for services to music and music education, while Brian Charlton Heald is recognised for services to music and the community in Chester. Melanie Houldershaw receives an honour for services to local theatre and choir.

Other music figures recognised in the honours include Patrick Doyle, appointed CBE for services to film, Cerys Matthews, appointed OBE for services to music, Carl Cox, appointed OBE for services to music, Tony Iommi, appointed MBE for services to music and charity, and Julius O’Riordan, known as Judge Jules, appointed MBE for services to music, entertainment law and young people.

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise achievements and service across public life, including music, education, culture, community work, charity and the arts.