The pianist and former Gramophone Award winner, Paul Lewis, was given a CBE and the trumpeter Alison Balsom, a former Gramophone Artist of the Year, received an OBE. Balsom told the BBC that ’it means a great deal to be recognised and awarded for my endeavours in the world of music, which have also brought me great personal joy and fulfilment. It is also a fantastic message to the rest of the world that we in Britain consistently make this public recognition of individuals in the arts - which remain such an important part of our national identity.’

The Founder and Senior Partner of Rosenblatt Solicitors, Ian Rosenblatt has also been awarded an OBE for Rosenblatt Recitals and music philanthropy. ‘Music is an important element of what makes us a civilised society,’ he said, ‘and I am proud to do what I can to support young talent and make world-class music more accessible to the general British public.’

Professor Colin Lawson, Director of the Royal College of Music, was appointed a CBE. He said, ‘To receive this award is a great honour and recognition of the dedicated work put in by all those at the Royal College of Music. The RCM has a spectacular history and we have a duty to innovate and future-proof this wonderful place of learning and creativity for future generations of exceptional young musicians.’