Oliver Knussen CBE has been named as the recipient of the ISM’s Distinguished Musician Award 2016, awarded in 2016/17 presidency of Nicolas Chisholm MBE, for his ‘extraordinary services to music as a leading figure in contemporary classical music’.
The conductor-composer said: ‘I am particularly touched to be accorded this honour by such a distinguished professional body as the Incorporated Society of Musicians, which acts tirelessly on behalf of its members and the rights of musicians in general. Thank you so very much!’
Established in 1976 and presented annually, the ISM’s Distinguished Musician Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to musical life in the UK. Previous recipients include Sir Antonio Pappano, Dame Felicity Lott, Sir Simon Rattle, Dame Fanny Waterman, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Pierre Boulez, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Mark Elder, Judith Weir, and Dame Emma Kirkby.