A number of big names associated with classical music have been 
recognised in the 2011 New Year Honours list.
Leading the way is the English National Opera (ENO) chairman Vernon Ellis, who will pick up a knighthood for his services to music.
The honour comes at a time when the coalition government has been keen to emphasise the important role that philanthropic support for the arts can play.
Ellis is a key supporter of the recent restoration of the English National Opera’s home, the London Coliseum and is also chairman of the Classical Opera Company.
Speaking after the announcement was made, he told the Press Association: “This is a huge honour. I would really like to dedicate it to all the extraordinarily talented and committed people that it has been a privilege to get to know and to work with over the last decade.”
Meanwhile, Loretta Tomasi, chief executive of ENO, added in an interview
with the news provider: “He has generously supported and given his commitment to a very wide range of musical organisations and individual musicians.”
However, Mr Ellis is not the only individual associated with the classical music genre to receive a new year’s honour.
Music professor Felicity Joan Palmer, known internationally for her success in concert and operatic singing, has been made a Dame for services to music, having been previously awarded a CBE.
Composer Colin Matthews has been awarded an OBE for his services to music and alongside him broadcaster and composer Howard Goodall has been named as the recipient of a CBE for his work in promoting music education in England, specifically for his role as National Singing Ambassador spearheading the Sing Up! campaign.
John Wallace, the trumpet maestro and Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Principal, has also received a CBE for his continued support of music, dance and drama education in Scotland.
recognised in the 2011 New Year Honours list.Leading the way is the English National Opera (ENO) chairman Vernon Ellis, who will pick up a knighthood for his services to music.
The honour comes at a time when the coalition government has been keen to emphasise the important role that philanthropic support for the arts can play.
Ellis is a key supporter of the recent restoration of the English National Opera’s home, the London Coliseum and is also chairman of the Classical Opera Company.
Speaking after the announcement was made, he told the Press Association: “This is a huge honour. I would really like to dedicate it to all the extraordinarily talented and committed people that it has been a privilege to get to know and to work with over the last decade.”
Meanwhile, Loretta Tomasi, chief executive of ENO, added in an interview
with the news provider: “He has generously supported and given his commitment to a very wide range of musical organisations and individual musicians.”However, Mr Ellis is not the only individual associated with the classical music genre to receive a new year’s honour.
Music professor Felicity Joan Palmer, known internationally for her success in concert and operatic singing, has been made a Dame for services to music, having been previously awarded a CBE.
Composer Colin Matthews has been awarded an OBE for his services to music and alongside him broadcaster and composer Howard Goodall has been named as the recipient of a CBE for his work in promoting music education in England, specifically for his role as National Singing Ambassador spearheading the Sing Up! campaign.
John Wallace, the trumpet maestro and Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Principal, has also received a CBE for his continued support of music, dance and drama education in Scotland.