The Queen continues to hold in-person audiences at Windsor Castle. She met with Thomas Trotter to present him with the 2020 Queen’s Medal for Music on 8 December.
Trotter, a world-renowned concert organist, was announced as the winner last November. In a statement on the Royal Family’s website, The Master of The Queen’s Music, Judith Weir, said: “This year’s medal salutes a world famous organist who has done so much to widen and brighten the realm of this great instrument. Thomas Trotter’s series of regular recitals over four decades as Birmingham City Organist is an inspiring example of civic engagement for all performing musicians.”
Trotter said: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Medal for Music for 2020. To have my work recognised in this way is totally unexpected and highly gratifying, and it is a privilege to join the list of distinguished recipients of this award.”
The Queen’s Medal for Music has been presented annually since 2005 to an individual or a group of musicians for their outstanding achievements. Past winners include Charles Mackerras, the National Youth Orchestra, Gary Crosby, and Imogen Cooper.
The winner is chosen by a committee convened by The Master of The Queen’s Music. They meet to nominate musicians and then submit their winner recommendation to The Queen for ultimate approval.
The announcement is usually made on 22 November each year, St. Cecilia’s Day. St. Cecelia is the patron saint of music.
The Queen holds a number of music-related patronages including, according to the Royal Family’s website: “The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music; Camerata Ireland; Help Musicians UK; the London Symphony Orchestra; the Royal Academy of Music; the Royal Choral Society; the Royal College of Music; the Royal College of Organists; the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir; the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society and Orchestra; the Royal Northern College of Music; the Royal Philharmonic Society; the Royal School of Church Music; the Royal Scottish National Orchestra; the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain; and the Windsor and Eton Choral Society.”
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