Sally Cavender, Director of Performance Music at Faber Music, a passionate champion for contemporary music who has overseen more than 950 commissions over the past three decades, has been awarded the prestigious RPS Leslie Boosey Award for her outstanding contribution to the furthering of contemporary music in Britain.

 

The award, a magnificent bronze eagle by sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink, will be presented on stage by RPS Chairman, John Gilhooly, at a concert by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group at Wigmore Hall on Saturday 25 March at 7.30pm, during a day dedicated to the music of Thomas Adès, just one of the many composers that Sally Cavender has supported and ceaselessly promoted during a long and distinguished career in music publishing. The award recognises the major and beneficial effect she has had on the musical life of the UK over several decades, her dedication to composers and the performance of their music, and her passionate advocacy for the value of new music in today’s world.

 

Richard King, Chief Executive of Faber Music said: ‘The RPS Leslie Boosey Award is highly valued in the industry and great recognition of the endless, tireless work, often behind the scenes, performed by Sally on behalf of the company over many, many years. I’m delighted she has been recognised in this way and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating her on a richly deserved accolade.’

 

The Leslie Boosey Award was set up by the Royal Philharmonic Society and the Performing Rights Society in memory of music publisher Leslie Boosey (1887-1979). It is awarded every two years. The award is primarily given to those who work ‘back stage’. Programmers, publishers, broadcasters, administrators, educationalists and representatives from the recording industry have all received the award since its inception in 1980, with recipients including Amelia Freedman, Bill Colleran, Colin Matthews, Gillian Moore, Stephen and Jackie Newbould, Sally Groves and most recently NMC Recordings.

 

Sally Cavender studied at the Royal College of Music before working for RCA Records both in London and New York for a number of years. Upon her return from New York she joined Boosey and Hawkes Music Publishers where she worked for a decade in press and promotion. Since 1981, her working life has been entirely with Faber Music, where she is currently Director of Performance Music and Vice-Chairman. In her 35 years with the company she has overseen more than 950 commissions, as well as signing two generations of some of the world’s most respected composers, including Thomas Adès, Tansy Davies and Francisco Coll.